Paracrine Signaling

Definition

Paracrine signaling is a type of cell communication where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells, altering the behavior or differentiation of those cells.

Analogy

Think of paracrine signaling like gossip spreading in a high school. One student (the cell) starts a rumor (the signal), and only the students close enough to hear it (nearby cells) are affected by it.

Related terms

Autocrine Signaling: This is when a cell secretes hormones or chemical messengers that bind to autocrine receptors on that same cell, leading to changes in the cell. It's like talking to yourself!

Endocrine Signaling: In this type of signaling, glands secrete hormones directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues throughout the body. Imagine this as sending out mass emails - everyone gets the message.

Juxtacrine Signaling: This involves communication between touching cells. The signals pass through protein channels connecting cytoplasms of both cells. It's like whispering secrets hand-to-hand using tin can telephones!