Downregulation
Downregulation
Downregulation (/daʊnˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/) is a process in biology and pharmacology where the number or sensitivity of cell receptors is decreased in response to a stimulus.
Etymology
The term "downregulation" is derived from the English words "down", meaning decrease, and "regulation", referring to the control or maintenance of a process or system.
Definition
Downregulation is a cellular process that decreases the quantity or effects of a molecule or substance in a cell or organism. This process can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including decreased synthesis, increased degradation, or decreased sensitivity of the receptors to the substance. Downregulation is often a response to prolonged exposure to high levels of a particular substance, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, and can result in decreased responsiveness to that substance.
Related Terms
- Upregulation: The opposite of downregulation, upregulation is the process by which a cell increases the quantity or effects of a molecule or substance in response to a stimulus.
- Receptor (biochemistry): A protein molecule that receives and responds to a particular substance, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter.
- Homeostasis: The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things. Both upregulation and downregulation are processes that help maintain homeostasis.
- Signal transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, most commonly protein phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinases, which ultimately results in a cellular response.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Downregulation
- Wikipedia's article - Downregulation
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