INSR : insulin receptor
The Insulin Receptor: A Key Player in Glucose Metabolism
Description
The INSR gene holds the blueprint for producing the insulin receptor, a protein essential for bridging the communication between the hormone insulin and cells. The insulin receptor is a gatekeeper on the outer membrane of cells, specifically binding to insulin circulating in the bloodstream.
Insulin is a multifaceted hormone that orchestrates various bodily functions, notably regulating blood glucose levels. It exerts this control by dictating how much sugar (glucose) is ferried from the bloodstream into cells, where it serves as an energy source.
Structure and Function
The insulin receptor initially manifests as a single, elongated protein that undergoes processing. This processing involves cleaving the protein into four distinct subunits: two alpha and two beta subunits. These subunits collaborate seamlessly to form a functional receptor complex.
The alpha subunits project from the cell‘s surface, while the beta subunits reside within the cell. The alpha subunits act as the initial contact point for insulin, triggering the beta subunits. Upon insulin binding, the beta subunits initiate intracellular signaling cascades, which ultimately influence a multitude of cellular functions.
Associated Diseases
Disruptions in the INSR gene can lead to a spectrum of conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes: Decreased insulin receptor sensitivity or function can lead to high blood sugar levels, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes.
- Insulin resistance: This condition arises when cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in impaired glucose uptake and utilization.
- Leprechaunism: A rare genetic disorder characterized by severe insulin resistance and growth retardation.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 90% of individuals with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance, highlighting the critical role of the insulin receptor in glucose homeostasis.
