cAMP signaling pathway

The cAMP signaling pathway is a communication system within cells that helps coordinate responses to signals like hormones. When a signal binds to a receptor on the cell surface, it activates an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. This enzyme converts ATP (a cellular energy source) into cyclic AMP (cAMP), a messenger molecule. cAMP then activates other proteins inside the cell, triggering specific actions such as gene expression, metabolism changes, or cell movement. Once the response is complete, enzymes break down cAMP, turning off the signal and allowing the cell to respond to new stimuli.