Overview:

InsR is the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase that is involved in insulin signaling. InsR is post-translationally cleaved into two chains, α and β that are covalently linked. Binding of insulin to the InsR stimulates glucose uptake (1). Insulin receptor signaling helps to maintain fuel homeostasis and prevent diabetes. Studies have shown that a conditional knockout of insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) in mouse pancreas β cells and parts of the brain--including the hypothalamus--increased appetite, lean and fat body mass, linear growth, and insulin resistance that progressed to diabetes. InsR signaling also increases the regeneration of adult β cells and the central control of nutrient homeostasis (2).

Gene Aliases:

HHF5, CD220

Genbank Number:

NM_000208

References:

1. Okamoto, H. et al: Transgenic rescue of insulin receptor-deficient mice. J. Clin. Invest. 2004;114(2):214-23.

2. Lin, X. et al: Dysregulation of insulin receptor substrate 2 in beta cells and brain causes obesity and diabetes. J. Clin. Invest. 2004;114(7):886-8.