autocrine
/ˈɔːtoʊkrɪn/
adjective
- Relating to a type of cell signaling where a cell releases a substance that acts on itself, affecting its own activity.
- In autocrine signaling, a cell produces a growth factor that binds to receptors on its own surface.
- Cancer cells often use autocrine loops to stimulate their own uncontrolled growth.
- The scientist studied autocrine communication in immune cells to understand how they regulate inflammation.