EICOSANOIDS RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Eicosanoid receptors are a group of cell surface proteins that bind to eicosanoids, a diverse group of hormone-like signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid. Eicosanoids are involved in various physiological processes, such as inflammation, immune response, blood clotting, and regulation of blood pressure. They act as local mediators, exerting their effects near the site of their production.
Eicosanoid receptors are integral membrane proteins found on the surface of target cells. They are part of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, which are involved in transmitting extracellular signals to the cell's interior. There are several types of eicosanoid receptors, categorized based on their structure and affinities for different eicosanoids.
When an eicosanoid binds to its corresponding receptor, it initiates a signaling cascade within the cell, leading to a specific physiological response. The activation of eicosanoid receptors can trigger various cellular pathways, such as the release of calcium ions, activation of protein kinases, and alteration of gene expression. These signaling events help in fine-tuning cellular responses and maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Understanding the specific roles and regulation of eicosanoid receptors is crucial for deciphering the complex network of eicosanoid signaling and developing targeted therapies for various diseases. Dysregulation of eicosanoid receptors has been implicated in numerous pathologies, including inflammation-associated conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers. To study eicosanoid receptor function, researchers utilize pharmacological tools and knock-out models to investigate their roles in health and disease.
Common Misspellings for EICOSANOIDS RECEPTOR
- wicosanoids receptor
- sicosanoids receptor
- dicosanoids receptor
- ricosanoids receptor
- 4icosanoids receptor
- 3icosanoids receptor
- eucosanoids receptor
- ejcosanoids receptor
- ekcosanoids receptor
- eocosanoids receptor
- e9cosanoids receptor
- e8cosanoids receptor
- eixosanoids receptor
- eivosanoids receptor
- eifosanoids receptor
- eidosanoids receptor
- eicisanoids receptor
- eicksanoids receptor
- eiclsanoids receptor
- eicpsanoids receptor
Etymology of EICOSANOIDS RECEPTOR
The term "eicosanoids receptor" is a combination of two parts: "eicosanoids" and "receptor".
1. Eicosanoids: The word "eicosanoids" is derived from the Greek word "eicosa", which means "twenty". Eicosanoids are a class of signaling molecules that are derived from arachidonic acid, a 20-carbon fatty acid. These molecules act as local hormones and play a critical role in various physiological processes, such as inflammation, pain, and blood clotting.
2. Receptor: The word "receptor" originated from the Latin word "receptus", which means "to receive". In biology, a receptor is a protein molecule located on the surface of a cell or within it, capable of recognizing and binding specific molecules called ligands, to initiate a biological response.
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