autocrine

Growth of cells without external influences. Typically, the cell secretes its own growth factors, which binds to its own receptor expressed on the plasma membrane of the same cell.

A selection of proteins that may act as a group in a cytokine effect. Also related to paracrine.

A secretion which affects only the cell from which it was secreted.

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From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.