Insulin, traditionally known for its role in regulating blood glucose levels, also exerts potent mitogenic (cell division–promoting) effects.
Insulin exerts its effects primarily through binding to the insulin receptor (IR), a receptor tyrosine kinase. Upon binding, the receptor undergoes autophosphorylation and activates several downstream signaling cascades, including:
-PI3K/Akt Pathway: Overactivation of this pathway is often observed in cancers.
-RAS/MAPK Pathway: aberrant activation can lead to tumorigenesis.
IR-A: Often predominates in fetal tissues and some cancer cells. It has a higher affinity for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and is more mitogenic.
IR-B: More involved in metabolic regulation.
Studies have shown that many cancers (such as breast, colon, and lung cancers) preferentially overexpress the IR-A isoform.
(Will delete Record if Target field = "Delete") Home