Various molecules and structures facilitate communication between cells and tissues. These entities transport messages, triggering specific responses crucial for maintaining homeostasis, coordinating growth, and enabling adaptation to environmental changes. Examples include hormones transmitting endocrine signals, neurotransmitters mediating synaptic transmission, and cytokines facilitating immune system communication.
The efficient and accurate operation of these transport mechanisms is fundamental to overall health. Disruptions can lead to a wide range of disorders, from metabolic diseases and neurological conditions to immune deficiencies and cancers. Historically, the identification and characterization of these communicators have revolutionized medicine, leading to targeted therapies and diagnostic tools that improve patient outcomes.
