Insulin receptor

Insulin receptor is a transmembrane receptor that is activated by insulin, IGF-I, IGF-II and belongs to the large class of tyrosine kinase receptors. Metabolically, the insulin receptor plays a key role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, a functional process that under degenerate conditions may result in a range of clinical manifestations including diabetes and cancer.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The insulin receptor is a heterotetrameric protein consisting of two α and two β subunits. The α and β subunits are coded by a single gene, INSR, and are joined by disulfide bonds, a mechanism parallel to that of its ligand, insulin.

Function[edit | edit source]

The insulin receptor is expressed in various tissues including liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. The primary function of the insulin receptor is its ability to regulate glucose uptake. A secondary function of the insulin receptor is to regulate cell growth and differentiation, which it does through activation of mitogenic signaling pathways.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in this gene have been associated with insulin resistance, obesity, hyperinsulinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are both conditions characterized by a decrease in the effectiveness of insulin in inducing the uptake of glucose from the blood, leading to hyperglycemia and a variety of other metabolic disturbances.

References[edit | edit source]

Insulin receptor Resources
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