Somatomedin receptor

Somatomedin receptor is a type of protein that is encoded by the IGF1R gene in humans. It is a receptor that binds to somatomedins, which are a group of hormones that stimulate growth and development in the body. The somatomedin receptor is a key component in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, which plays a critical role in regulating cell growth, development, and survival.

Structure

The somatomedin receptor is a transmembrane receptor that is composed of two alpha subunits and two beta subunits. The alpha subunits are located on the outside of the cell and are responsible for binding to the somatomedins. The beta subunits span the cell membrane and are involved in signal transduction.

Function

The primary function of the somatomedin receptor is to bind to somatomedins and initiate a series of signal transduction pathways. These pathways lead to various cellular responses, including cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The somatomedin receptor is particularly important in the growth and development of many types of cells, including neurons, muscle cells, and bone cells.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the IGF1R gene that encodes the somatomedin receptor can lead to a variety of health conditions. For example, a decrease in the number of somatomedin receptors can result in growth retardation, while an increase can lead to overgrowth syndromes. Additionally, overexpression of the somatomedin receptor has been associated with several types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.

See also

• Insulin-like growth factor
• Receptor (biochemistry)
• Signal transduction
• Growth hormone