Pharmacology & Mechanisms
Definitions related to receptor signaling, peptide mechanisms, and biochemical interactions.
- Mechanism of Action
- The biochemical process by which a compound exerts its effects.
- Receptor
- A protein molecule that binds ligands like peptides to initiate cellular responses.
- Receptor Binding
- The interaction between a peptide and its receptor determining potency and biological outcome.
- Agonist
- A ligand that activates a receptor to produce a response.
- Partial Agonist
- A ligand that triggers a receptor response but with submaximal intensity.
- Antagonist
- A ligand that blocks receptor activation.
- Receptor Affinity
- The strength of ligand–receptor interaction.
- Signal Transduction
- The cascade of intracellular events following receptor activation.
- Second Messenger
- Molecules like cAMP or calcium ions that amplify signals inside cells.
- GPCR (G-Protein Coupled Receptor)
- A receptor family commonly targeted by peptide signaling molecules.