Explore the mechanisms by which cells produce signals that bind to their own receptors, driving growth, differentiation, immune regulation, and disease pathogenesis.
Signaling Pathways
Growth Factors
Research Citations
Understanding the fundamental pathways through which cells communicate with themselves and their microenvironment.
EGF, TGF-alpha, and PDGF autocrine loops drive cellular proliferation. Dysregulation of these pathways is implicated in oncogenesis and tumor progression.
IL-6, TNF-alpha, and interferon autocrine signaling modulates immune cell activation, inflammation, and autoimmune disease mechanisms.
Autocrine Wnt signaling maintains stem cell self-renewal and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant activation contributes to colorectal and other cancers.
RTK autocrine activation through EGFR, FGFR, and VEGFR families drives angiogenesis, cell migration, and survival signaling cascades.
BDNF and NGF autocrine loops support neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and are therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases.
These developmental signaling pathways operate in autocrine modes during tissue patterning, and their dysregulation drives basal cell carcinoma and leukemia.
From ligand synthesis to transcriptional response -- the complete cellular self-communication loop.
Cell produces signaling molecules (growth factors, cytokines) via gene transcription and translation.
Ligands are secreted into the extracellular space via exocytosis or membrane-bound shedding.
Ligands bind to receptors on the same cell's surface, triggering receptor dimerization and activation.
Activated receptors initiate intracellular cascades (MAPK, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT) leading to gene expression changes.
Current findings and reviews in autocrine signaling biology.
How cancer cells exploit TGF-beta autocrine signaling to suppress anti-tumor immunity and create immunosuppressive microenvironments. Recent findings reveal therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Read moreInterleukin-6 autocrine and trans-signaling mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis, cytokine storms, and why tocilizumab targets this pathway effectively.
Read moreNew evidence that intestinal stem cells produce their own Wnt ligands, challenging the classical niche-dependent model and reshaping regenerative medicine approaches.
Read moreSubmit a research inquiry and our editorial team will connect you with relevant resources and collaborators.
Book a research consultation session with our signaling biology specialists.
Evidence-based content
University-level resources
PhD-level researchers
Free educational content