Skip to main content

Insulin Receptor

Meaning

The Insulin Receptor (IR) is a complex, transmembrane glycoprotein found on the surface of virtually all human cells, acting as the primary docking site for the peptide hormone insulin. Binding of insulin to this receptor initiates a cascade of intracellular events that are critical for regulating glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis. Defects in the structure or function of this receptor are central to the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.