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Inositolphosphoglycans

Meaning

Inositolphosphoglycans (IPGs) are a family of complex, biologically active molecules composed of an inositol phosphate core linked to a glycan chain, which function as critical second messengers in cellular signaling pathways. They are generated from the hydrolysis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors on the cell membrane, acting as mediators for specific hormones, most notably insulin. Research suggests that different IPG isoforms may play distinct, specialized roles in regulating fundamental metabolic pathways, particularly glucose uptake and utilization. Dysfunction in the IPG signaling cascade has been implicated in conditions like insulin resistance and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).