GLOSSARY

Different forms

Signals may reinforce a common metabolic response or oppose one another at a particular step. The interaction can occur near the receptor, within a kinase cascade or at the level of gene expression.

An exercise example

Insulin-related signaling and contraction-associated pathways both influence muscle glucose transport through partly distinct routes. Their interaction changes with feeding, exercise and recovery rather than following one fixed relationship.

Evidence needed

Two signals changing together does not establish molecular crosstalk. Stronger evidence identifies a shared regulatory step and shows that changing one pathway alters the other's response. The relevant tissue and timing are essential because the same pair of hormones can interact differently elsewhere.