Insulin as a growth factor.
Various clinical syndromes illustrate the essential role of insulin in modulating somatic growth both in utero and after birth. The effect of insulin on growth is a consequence of direct effects transduced via its homologous receptor and post-receptor signaling pathways and indirect effects on other modulators of growth, such as the growth hormone-IGF axis. Recent insights into the post-receptor mechanisms of insulin signaling provide a scientific framework for the distinction between the traditional role of insulin as a major modulator of metabolism and its role as a promoter of growth.
Menon
R K
RK
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.
Sperling
M A
MA
D000818:Animals; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D006128:Growth / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000502:physiology*
D007328:Insulin