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Insulin Signaling as a Growth Factor definitions

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  • Insulin
    A peptide hormone that triggers receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, regulating both glucose metabolism and cell growth.
  • Insulin Receptor
    A receptor tyrosine kinase with beta domains that autophosphorylate upon hormone binding, initiating signaling cascades.
  • Tyrosine Kinase
    An enzyme domain in receptors that phosphorylates tyrosine residues, activating downstream signaling proteins.
  • Insulin Receptor Substrate 1
    A phosphorylated adapter protein serving as a branch point for multiple insulin signaling pathways, including growth factor signaling.
  • GRB2
    An adapter protein with SH2 and SH3 domains, linking phosphorylated IRS 1 to downstream signaling molecules.
  • SOS
    A guanine exchange factor that facilitates the conversion of inactive GDP-bound Ras to its active GTP-bound form.
  • RAS
    A lipid-linked monomeric G protein acting as a molecular switch, crucial for cell growth signaling via GTP/GDP binding.
  • MAPK
    A mitogen-activated protein kinase that phosphorylates substrates, ultimately promoting cell growth and division.
  • RAF1
    A MAPKKK kinase activated by Ras, responsible for phosphorylating and activating MEK in the signaling cascade.
  • MEK
    A MAPKK kinase phosphorylated by RAF1, which then activates ERK through serine and tyrosine phosphorylation.
  • ERK
    A MAPK enzyme activated by MEK, entering the nucleus to regulate transcription factors involved in cell growth.
  • Transcription Factors
    Proteins in the nucleus that induce transcription of genes related to cell growth, targeted by active ERK.
  • GTPase
    An enzymatic activity in Ras that hydrolyzes GTP to GDP, terminating the growth factor signal.
  • GTPase Activating Protein
    A protein that accelerates Ras's GTPase activity, ensuring rapid signal termination and pathway reset.
  • Phosphatase
    An enzyme that removes phosphate groups from proteins, reversing kinase activity and resetting signaling pathways.