A cell expresses a transmembrane protein that is cleaved at the plasma membrane to release an extracellular fragment. The fragment binds to receptor proteins on nearby cells and activates signaling pathways resulting in altered gene expression in the cells. Which of the following best describes this form of intercellular signaling?

(A)Contact-dependent signaling
(B)Paracrine signaling
(C)Endocrine signaling
(D)Autocrine signaling