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==Metabolic Pathways==
==Metabolic Pathways==
{{main|Metabolic pathway}} Metabolic pathways are crucial for the survival of cells and organisms. They are chains of enzymatic reactions that transform substrates into more complex products. These pathways are essential for energy production, biosynthesis of important biomolecules, and the elimination of waste products.
'''Metabolic pathways''' are a series of interconnected biochemical reactions that occur within a biological organism to maintain life. These pathways allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to environmental changes.


Metabolic pathways are the step-by-step biochemical processes that occur within cells. They are highly coordinated and regulated to ensure optimal efficiency and balance in the cell. These pathways can be categorized into two main types:
* '''Catabolic pathways''' involve the breakdown of molecules and the production of energy. These pathways are responsible for breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. A classic example is glycolysis, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate, yielding energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
* '''Anabolic pathways''', in contrast, involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones. These pathways require energy and are essential for cell growth and repair. An example of an anabolic pathway is the synthesis of proteins from amino acids.
===Key Features of Metabolic Pathways===
*'''Enzymes:''' Each step in a metabolic pathway is catalyzed by a specific enzyme. These enzymes are crucial for controlling the rate of chemical reactions in the pathway.
*'''Energy Transfer:''' Metabolic pathways often involve the transfer of energy, captured in the form of molecules like ATP or NADH.
*'''Regulation:''' These pathways are tightly regulated by the cell, often through feedback mechanisms, to meet the cell's needs and maintain homeostasis.
===Importance in Organisms===
Metabolic pathways are essential for life. They provide energy, build essential components of cells, and enable cells to grow, divide, and respond to their environment.
===Clinical and Research Applications===
Understanding metabolic pathways is fundamental in biochemistry and medicine. Many diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and various metabolic disorders, are associated with dysfunctions in specific metabolic pathways. Consequently, these pathways are often targets for therapeutic drugs.
==Signaling Pathways==
==Signaling Pathways==
{{main|Signaling pathway}} Signaling pathways are involved in the transmission of signals within and between cells. They often start with a signal (like a hormone or neurotransmitter) interacting with a receptor, which then triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions, leading to a specific cellular response.
A '''signaling pathway''' refers to a group of molecules in a cell that work together to control one or more cell functions, such as cell division or cell death. After the first molecule in a pathway receives a signal, it activates another molecule. This process is repeated until the last molecule is activated and the cell function is carried out. Signaling pathways are complex systems of communication that govern basic cellular activities and coordinate cell actions.
A '''signaling pathway''' refers to a group of molecules in a cell that work together to control one or more cell functions, such as cell division or cell death. After the first molecule in a pathway receives a signal, it activates another molecule. This process is repeated until the last molecule is activated and the cell function is carried out. Signaling pathways are complex systems of communication that govern basic cellular activities and coordinate cell actions.


=== Overview ===
The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their microenvironment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Errors in signaling interactions and cellular information processing are responsible for diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and diabetes. Understanding cellular signaling pathways enables a better comprehension of these diseases and can contribute to developing therapeutic strategies.
The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their microenvironment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Errors in signaling interactions and cellular information processing are responsible for diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and diabetes. Understanding cellular signaling pathways enables a better comprehension of these diseases and can contribute to developing therapeutic strategies.
[[File:Forms of Cell Signaling.png|thumb|This image displays the different types of cell signaling
]]


=== Types of Signaling ===
=== Types of Signaling ===
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* '''Endocrine signaling:''' Hormones distributed by the blood system trigger responses in distant cells.
* '''Endocrine signaling:''' Hormones distributed by the blood system trigger responses in distant cells.
* '''Juxtacrine signaling:''' Signaling occurs between adjacent cells.
* '''Juxtacrine signaling:''' Signaling occurs between adjacent cells.
*


=== Key Components ===
=== Key Components ===
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=== Significance in Research ===
=== Significance in Research ===
Understanding signaling pathways is critical for biomedical research because of their role in controlling cellular behavior. Abnormalities in signaling pathways are often linked to diseases, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention.
Understanding signaling pathways is critical for biomedical research because of their role in controlling cellular behavior. Abnormalities in signaling pathways are often linked to diseases, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention.
== Longevity-Relevant Biological Pathways ==
Several biological pathways have been identified as critical in influencing longevity and aging. These pathways are involved in various cellular processes, including metabolism, stress response, and DNA repair.
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Pathway
!Description
!Significance in Longevity
!Notable Examples
|-
| rowspan="5" |Signalling
|[[Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling (IIS) Pathway|Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling (IIS)]]
|A pathway involved in the regulation of growth and metabolism in response to insulin and IGF-1.
|Mutations and alterations in this pathway are linked to increased lifespan in various model organisms.
|''C. elegans'' daf-2 mutation
|-
|mTOR Signaling
|Involves the mechanistic target of rapamycin, a key regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival.
|Inhibition of mTOR signaling has been shown to extend lifespan in yeast, worms, flies, and mice.
|Rapamycin
|-
|[[Sirtuins|Sirtuin Pathways]]
|Involves a family of proteins that regulate cellular health and are implicated in aging processes.
|Sirtuins are associated with increased lifespan and improved health in response to caloric restriction.
|SIRT1 activation
|-
|AMPK Pathway
|Central energy sensor, important for maintaining energy homeostasis.
|Activation of AMPK has been linked to extended lifespan and improved metabolic health.
|Metformin
|-
|NRF2 Pathway
|Regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage.
|Activation of NRF2 has been linked to increased lifespan and resistance to age-related diseases.
|Sulforaphane
|-
| rowspan="4" |Metabolic
|[[Autophagy|Autophagy Pathways]]
|Responsible for the degradation and recycling of cellular components.
|Enhanced autophagy is associated with longevity and protection against neurodegenerative diseases.
|Caloric restriction
|-
|DNA Repair Pathways
|Involved in the detection and repair of damage to the DNA.
|Efficient DNA repair mechanisms are essential for longevity and reducing age-related diseases.
|BRCA1/BRCA2 in DNA repair
|-
|Telomere Maintenance
|Involves the protection and extension of telomeres, the end parts of chromosomes.
|Telomere length and maintenance are closely associated with aging and cellular lifespan.
|Telomerase activation
|-
|Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Management
|Balances the production and detoxification of reactive oxygen species.
|Effective management of ROS is linked to increased lifespan and reduced oxidative stress.
|Antioxidants like glutathione
|}


==Regulation of Pathways==
==Regulation of Pathways==
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==Clinical and Research Significance==
==Clinical and Research Significance==
Understanding biological pathways is crucial in biomedical research, as dysregulation of these pathways can lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Therapeutic strategies often target specific enzymes or interactions within these pathways to treat or manage diseases.
Understanding biological pathways is crucial in biomedical research, as dysregulation of these pathways can lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Therapeutic strategies often target specific enzymes or interactions within these pathways to treat or manage diseases.
== See Also ==
* {{SeeWikipedia|Signalling pathway|}}
* {{SeeWikipedia|List of signalling pathways|}}
* {{SeeWikipedia|Metabolic pathway|}}
[[Category:Pathways|!Pathways]]
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