Anabolic signaling pathways

Anabolic signaling pathways collectively refer to intracellular molecular cascades that direct cells to increase biosynthetic activities, including synthesis of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and glycogen[1][3][5]. Major anabolic pathways include the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade, which is activated by growth factors (such as insulin and IGF-1) binding to their receptors, and leads to increased cellular uptake of nutrients and promotion of protein and lipid synthesis[1][3][4]. These pathways play essential roles in tissue growth, maintenance, and repair, especially in skeletal muscle, and are opposed by catabolic signaling such as AMPK activation[1][2][4]. Dysregulation of anabolic signaling is implicated in diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders[1][2][4][5]. However, because anabolic signaling pathways refer to functional networks, not a unique, well-defined therapeutic target or single molecule, this term is not suitable for entries that require specificity at the level of a protein, receptor, transporter, or enzyme[1][5].

Other names

Anabolic pathwaysAnabolism signalingBiosynthetic pathwaysAnabolic signal transduction