How do toxicants affect cellular signaling pathways?
Toxicants can disrupt cellular signaling pathways by interfering with receptor binding, second messengers, or signaling proteins. For instance, toxicants may mimic or block hormones, altering endocrine signaling and leading to reproductive or developmental issues. Some toxicants activate stress-activated pathways, such as the MAPK pathway, which can result in inflammation or apoptosis. Understanding these disruptions helps in the development of therapeutic interventions and preventive measures.
