title: The molecular mechanism of insulin action.
abstract: Insulin initiates its action by binding to a glycoprotein receptor on the surface of the cell. This receptor consists of an alpha-subunit, which binds the hormone, and a beta-subunit, which is an insulin-stimulated, tyrosine-specific protein kinase. Activation of this kinase is believed to generate a signal that eventually results in insulin's action on glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. The growth-promoting effects of insulin appear to occur through activation of receptors for the family of related insulin-like growth factors. Both genetic and acquired abnormalities in the number of insulin receptors, the activity of the receptor kinase, and the various post-receptor steps in insulin action occur in disease states leading to tissue resistance to insulin action.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Kahn
mesh_terms: D000052:Acanthosis Nigricans / Q000378:metabolism; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D011972:Receptor, Insulin / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000032:analysis; D017451:Receptors, Somatomedin; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D010455:Peptides; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017451:Receptors, Somatomedin; D013002:Somatomedins; D011494:Protein Kinases; D011972:Receptor, Insulin