PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -What is autocrine signaling? Autocrine signaling is a type of cell signaling wherein a cell signal released from the cell binds to the same cell, i.e., ‘self’. The chemical signal released from the cells is known as autocrine agents or autocrine signals.

Detailed explanation-2: -In autocrine signaling pathways, the cell involved will secrete both the extracellular signaling molecule as well as its receptor, whereas in paracrine signaling, one cell will secrete the signaling molecule and the other cell the receptor (Figure 1).

Detailed explanation-3: -In autocrine signaling, the signaling molecule originates from the target cell itself. This occurs when cells express receptors to a ligand they secrete. For example, blood platelets secrete eicosanoids, which influence their own activity. Autocrine signaling has also been observed during embryo development.

Detailed explanation-4: -Paracrine signaling acts on nearby cells, endocrine signaling uses the circulatory system to transport ligands, and autocrine signaling acts on the signaling cell. Signaling via gap junctions involves signaling molecules moving directly between adjacent cells.