Skip to main content

Insulin-Degrading Enzyme (IDE)

Meaning

Insulin-Degrading Enzyme, or IDE, is a highly conserved metalloprotease found ubiquitously in the cytoplasm and on the surface of cells, playing a primary role in the catabolism and clearance of insulin. Beyond its function in regulating circulating insulin levels and signaling termination, IDE also degrades a number of other peptides, including amylin and the amyloid-beta peptide implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Its activity is a crucial determinant of insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health, making it a significant target in the study of type 2 diabetes and related hormonal dysregulation.