How Do Toxicants Interact with Signal Transduction Pathways?
Toxicants can interact with signal transduction pathways in several ways:
Receptor Binding: Some toxicants can bind directly to cell surface receptors, mimicking or blocking the natural ligands. Enzyme Inhibition: Toxicants may inhibit enzymes that are crucial for the transmission of signals, such as kinases. Oxidative Stress: By generating reactive oxygen species, toxicants can alter signaling pathways, leading to cellular damage. Alteration of Gene Expression: Some toxicants can affect the signaling pathways that regulate gene expression, leading to either upregulation or downregulation of genes involved in critical cellular processes.
