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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
Published on: April 23, 2018
Mitogenic action of insulin: friend, foe or 'frenemy'?
1Adult Diabetes Program, University of Colorado Denver, Mail Stop 8106, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Boris.Draznin@UCDenver.edu
Abstract:
Either endogenous or exogenous hyperinsulinaemia in the setting of insulin resistance promotes phosphorylation and activation of farnesyltransferase, a ubiquitous enzyme that farnesylates Ras proteins. Increased availability of farnesylated Ras at the plasma membrane enhances mitogenic responsiveness of cells to various growth factors, thus contributing to progression of cancer and atherosclerosis. This effect is specific to insulin, but is not related to the type of insulin used. The stimulatory effect of hyperinsulinaemia on farnesyltransferase in the presence of insulin resistance represents one potential mechanism responsible for mitogenicity and atherogenicity of insulin.
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