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Signalling by insulin and IGF receptors: supporting acts and new players

Kenneth Siddle1

  • 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK. ks14@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
|April 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Insulin receptor (IR) and IGF signalling pathways are crucial for cell functions. Recent studies reveal new details and elements contributing to the specificity of these vital cellular communication networks.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Insulin receptor (IR) and IGF signalling pathways regulate cellular metabolism, growth, and survival.
  • Canonical pathways involving phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and Ras/MAP kinase are initiated by tyrosine phosphorylation of IR substrates and Shc.
  • The precise mechanisms and additional components modulating these pathways are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding insulin and IGF signalling pathways.
  • To highlight novel substrates and scaffolds involved in these signalling cascades.
  • To elucidate the elements contributing to the specificity of insulin/IGF actions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on insulin and IGF signaling.
  • Analysis of research on tyrosine phosphorylation of IR substrates and Shc.
  • Examination of identified substrates and scaffolds modulating canonical pathways.

Main Results:

  • Established canonical phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and Ras/MAP kinase pathways mediate many insulin/IGF actions.
  • Identification of diverse additional substrates and scaffolds that modulate canonical pathways.
  • Emerging understanding of how these elements contribute to specific biological responses.

Conclusions:

  • While broad outlines of IR and IGF signalling are known, many details require further elucidation.
  • Additional substrates and scaffolds play significant roles in fine-tuning insulin/IGF signal transduction.
  • Further research into these elements is crucial for understanding pathway specificity and biological outcomes.

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