InsR

The insulin receptor (InsR) family of receptor tyrosine kinases comprises INSR, IGF1R and the orphan INSRR. Their mature receptors are disulfide-linked (αβ)2 tetramers with extracellular fibronectin type III and cysteine-rich domains, a feature unique among receptor tyrosine kinases. Ligand binding to the α-subunit releases autoinhibition, allowing trans-phosphorylation of the β-subunit and recruitment of IRS proteins and Shc, which activate PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways governing glucose uptake, protein synthesis, growth and longevity. INSR isoforms mediate insulin action in metabolism, while IGF1R drives prenatal and postnatal growth and is reactivated in many cancers. Agents targeting this family range from insulin analogues and antibodies to IGF1R inhibitors in oncology trials.