A novel insulin-binding protein with a molecular weight of 30,000 daltons

Analysis of mouse Swiss/3T3 fibroblasts and rat hepatoma H35 cells using the affinity cross-linking method revealed multiple forms of 125I-insulin binding components (Mr greater than 300,000) in the absence of reducing agents. The same analysis, in the presence of reducing agents, revealed two major components (Mr = 125,000 and Mr = 30,000). The Mr = 125,000 component appeared to be the alpha-subunit of the high-affinity insulin receptor, whereas the small insulin-binding component of Mr = 30,000 was not a degradation product of the alpha-subunit but was apparently associated with the insulin receptor. We suggest that it is likely a novel component for regulating the function of insulin receptor.