Paracrine Signaling via Secreted Growth Factors and Cytokines

Paracrine signaling is a form of cell-to-cell communication in which a cell produces signaling molecules—such as growth factors and cytokines—that are secreted into the extracellular space and act on nearby target cells. These signals typically induce rapid, localized responses because the secreted molecules are quickly degraded or taken up, limiting their range of action. The secreting cell releases protein ligands into the local environment. Target cells must express compatible surface receptors to respond. Ligand binding activates receptor-mediated intracellular signaling cascades, commonly through receptor tyrosine kinases, ultimately altering gene expression in the nucleus to produce biological effects. Dysregulation contributes to diseases such as cancer progression/metastasis, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired wound healing. Therapeutic targeting includes monoclonal antibodies against specific ligands/receptors or small molecule inhibitors blocking key pathways.

Other names

Paracrine signalingSecreted growth factorsSecreted cytokinesCell-to-cell communication via secreted factors

N/A (This is a signaling mechanism, not a single molecule with a specific mechanism of action. Drugs interact with specific components of the pathway, such as receptors or kinases.)