Upon ligand binding, receptors undergo a conformational change that triggers several downstream events:
- Signal Transduction Pathways: These pathways involve a cascade of events, often mediated by enzymes like kinases, that amplify the signal. - Activation of Second Messengers: Molecules such as cAMP, IP3, and calcium ions act as second messengers, further propagating the signal. - Gene Expression: Some signals result in changes in gene expression, leading to long-term cellular changes.
