New members of the insulin family: regulators of metabolism, growth and now ... reproduction

Pediatr Res. 2005 May;57(5 Pt 2):70R-73R. doi: 10.1203/01.PDR.0000159573.55187.CA. Epub 2005 Apr 6.

Abstract

Insulin, IGF, and relaxin are established members of the insulin protein superfamily. The application of the techniques of cellular, molecular, and computational biology has permitted the identification of new insulin-like ligands and their cognate receptors. Information regarding the biologic role is available for some of these newly identified ligand-receptor systems and indicates novel roles in diverse processes such as testicular descent, germ cell function, and cell migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Female
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin / genetics
  • Insulin / physiology*
  • Ligands
  • Male
  • Phylogeny
  • Proteins / physiology
  • Reproduction
  • Signal Transduction
  • Testis / anatomy & histology

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Leydig insulin-like protein
  • Ligands
  • Proteins