DEATH RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Death receptor refers to a specific type of cell surface receptor that is involved in the initiation of apoptotic cell death, a genetically programmed form of cell death. These receptors are integral membrane proteins found on the surface of various cells within an organism. They are responsible for transmitting extracellular signals into cells to activate the apoptotic signaling pathway.
Death receptors derive their name from their crucial role in triggering apoptosis by binding to specific ligands. The binding of these ligands, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or Fas ligand (FasL), to their respective death receptor initiates a cascade of intracellular events leading to cell death.
The activation of death receptors results in the assembly of a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) within the cell. This complex recruits and activates initiator caspases, which are key enzymes that help execute cell death. The activated initiator caspases subsequently cleave and activate executioner caspases, ultimately leading to the dismantling of the cell, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic cell death.
The death receptor pathway plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including tissue homeostasis, embryonic development, and immune system regulation. Dysregulation of death receptors or their ligands can have detrimental consequences, as their malfunction contributes to various diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.
In conclusion, death receptors are cell surface receptors that initiate apoptosis, a programmed cell death process essential for normal development and maintenance of tissue integrity. Their activation leads to the formation of signaling complexes that induce a cascade of events ultimately resulting in cell death.
Common Misspellings for DEATH RECEPTOR
- seath receptor
- xeath receptor
- ceath receptor
- feath receptor
- reath receptor
- eeath receptor
- dwath receptor
- dsath receptor
- ddath receptor
- drath receptor
- d4ath receptor
- d3ath receptor
- dezth receptor
- desth receptor
- dewth receptor
- deqth receptor
- dearh receptor
- deafh receptor
- deagh receptor
- deayh receptor
Etymology of DEATH RECEPTOR
The word "death receptor" comes from the combination of two terms: "death" and "receptor".
- "Death": The term "death" originates from the Old English word "dēað", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "dauthaz". This word, in turn, is believed to have been derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*dheu-" meaning "to die" or "to pass away". The word "death" refers to the permanent cessation of all vital functions of an organism or individual.
- "Receptor": The term "receptor" comes from the Latin word "receptor", which is the past participle of the verb "recipere", meaning "to receive". It refers to a protein molecule, usually located on the surface or within a cell, that binds to specific molecules or signals, allowing the cell to respond to these signals.
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