cytokine receptor activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Combining with a cytokine and transmitting the signal from one side of the membrane to the other to initiate a change in cell activity. [GOC:add, GOC:mah]

Cytokine receptors are transmembrane proteins that bind to soluble cytokines, which are small signaling molecules that mediate a wide range of cellular processes, including inflammation, immunity, cell growth, and differentiation. The binding of a cytokine to its receptor initiates a signaling cascade that ultimately leads to changes in gene expression and cell behavior.

The molecular function of cytokine receptor activity involves the following steps:

1. **Ligand Binding:** Cytokine receptors have extracellular domains that specifically bind to their cognate cytokines. This binding event is highly specific and is characterized by high affinity.

2. **Dimerization or Oligomerization:** Upon ligand binding, many cytokine receptors undergo a conformational change that promotes their dimerization or oligomerization. This assembly of multiple receptor subunits is essential for signal transduction.

3. **Activation of Associated Kinases:** The intracellular domains of cytokine receptors are often associated with tyrosine kinases or other signaling molecules. Dimerization or oligomerization of the receptors brings these kinases into close proximity, allowing them to become activated.

4. **Phosphorylation Cascade:** Activated kinases phosphorylate specific tyrosine residues on the receptor itself and on other signaling proteins. This phosphorylation event serves as a switch that initiates a downstream signaling cascade.

5. **Activation of Transcription Factors:** The phosphorylation cascade ultimately leads to the activation of transcription factors, which are proteins that regulate gene expression.

6. **Changes in Gene Expression:** Activated transcription factors bind to specific DNA sequences in the genome, altering the expression of genes involved in various cellular processes, including inflammation, immunity, cell growth, and differentiation.

7. **Cellular Responses:** The changes in gene expression resulting from cytokine receptor activation ultimately lead to a variety of cellular responses, including the production of inflammatory mediators, the activation of immune cells, and the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.

Cytokine receptor activity is a fundamental process in cell signaling and plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and responding to external stimuli. Dysregulation of cytokine receptor signaling can lead to a variety of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.'
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Proteins (5)

Compounds (348)