RECEPTOR DOWN REGULATION Meaning and
Definition
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Receptor down regulation refers to a process in which the number or sensitivity of a particular type of receptor on the surface of a cell decreases. Receptors are specialized proteins that are responsible for binding specific molecules, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or drugs, and mediating their effects on the cell.
In the case of receptor down regulation, the cell receives a signal that triggers a decrease in the number of available receptors or reduces their ability to bind to the molecules they normally interact with. This can occur as a result of chronic or excessive stimulation of the receptors by ligands, the molecules that bind to the receptors.
One common mechanism underlying receptor down regulation involves the internalization of receptors, where they are taken up into the cell via endocytosis and subsequently degraded. This process effectively removes the receptors from the cell surface and reduces their availability for binding ligands. Additionally, down regulation can occur at the transcriptional level, with decreased production of new receptors by the cell.
Receptor down regulation serves as a negative feedback mechanism that helps to maintain cellular homeostasis and prevent excessive cellular activation. It allows cells to adapt to the presence of high levels of ligands by reducing their responsiveness to the signals they transmit. This process is vital for proper regulation of cellular processes and is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including drug tolerance, hormone resistance, and disease progression.
Common Misspellings for RECEPTOR DOWN REGULATION
- eeceptor down regulation
- deceptor down regulation
- feceptor down regulation
- teceptor down regulation
- 5eceptor down regulation
- 4eceptor down regulation
- rwceptor down regulation
- rsceptor down regulation
- rdceptor down regulation
- rrceptor down regulation
- r4ceptor down regulation
- r3ceptor down regulation
- rexeptor down regulation
- reveptor down regulation
- refeptor down regulation
- redeptor down regulation
- recwptor down regulation
- recsptor down regulation
- recdptor down regulation
- recrptor down regulation
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