Paracrine signaling via secretion of trophic factors

Paracrine signaling via secretion of trophic factors refers to a mechanism of cell communication where cells secrete molecules—including growth factors, cytokines, neurotrophins, and other signaling proteins—into their immediate environment, causing nearby cells to undergo changes in behavior, fate, or function[1][3][4]. These molecules act locally (on neighboring cells) rather than distantly (as in endocrine signaling), mediating processes such as development, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and response to injury. The effects of paracrine signaling are mediated by the binding of secreted trophic factors to specific receptors on adjacent cells, often triggering complex intracellular pathways such as receptor tyrosine kinase activation and downstream transcriptional responses[1][2]. Major protein families involved include fibroblast growth factors, Hedgehog proteins, Wnt proteins, and the TGF-β superfamily[1][4]. In a therapeutic context, clinical strategies do not target "paracrine signaling" as a whole, but instead focus on specific factor-receptor pairs within these pathways.

Other names

Paracrine signalingParacrine factors secretionSecretion of trophic factorsLocal growth factor signaling