What is signal transduction in the brain?

Signal transduction refers to the processes by which intercellular signals such as neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, circulating hormones, and cytokines produce intracellular biochemical alterations that in turn modify neuronal functioning including the regulation of gene expression.

Do ion channels participate in signal transduction?

A critical class of genes involved in this phenomenon is that made up of genes encoding neurotransmitter-gated ion channels that play a central role in signal generation and propagation within the nervous system. Nerve growth factor initiates several signal transduction cascades.

What does transduction do for the brain?

occurs when a sensory receptor converts a type of stimulus energy (e.g., photon, sound wave) into an electrical impulse that can be interpreted by the brain.

Where are signal transduction receptors found?

cell membrane
For receptors located on the cell membrane, the signal must be passed on through other molecules in the cell, in a sort of cellular game of “telephone.” The chains of molecules that relay signals inside a cell are known as intracellular signal transduction pathways.

Why are ion channels important in the brain?

ION CHANNELS. Trafficking of small charged molecules (ions) thru the cell membrane of neurons determine their ability to signal and respond to each other. The electric charges of ions are in fact responsible for the membrane potential and action potential.

How are all of the signal transduction pathways the same?

The important thing to realize is that all of these signal transduction pathways contain the same elements. A signal is received by a receptor protein, and the protein transfers the signal through the cell membrane and into the cell. The kinds of receptors and the second messengers they create can be very different.

How does signal transduction work in touch and vision?

The signal transduction pathway of touch and vision works in the same way that many nerve signals do. Instead of creating a second messenger or processing a signal internally, the stimulation of the receptor protein causes an influx of ions into the cell.

How are signals converted into biochemical signals in the brain?

Signal transduction refers to the processes by which signals between cells carried by neurotransmitters, hormones, trophic factors, and cytokines are converted into biochemical signals within cells.