Activates the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, driving glucose uptake into muscle and adipose, glycogen synthesis, lipogenesis, and protein synthesis.
Reference facts
- Also known as
- Humulin R, Novolin R
- Category
- Hormonal & Pituitary
- Mechanism of action
- Activates the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, driving glucose uptake into muscle and adipose, glycogen synthesis, lipogenesis, and protein synthesis.
- Targets
- Insulin receptor
- Indications under research or approved
- Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2
- Regulatory status (reference entry)
- FDA-approved (recombinant 1982)
- Half-life
- ~5 minutes (endogenous)
- Sequence
- GIVEQCCTSICSLYQLENYCN
- Sequence notes
- Two-chain peptide hormone: A-chain shown (21 aa); B-chain FVNQHLCGSHLVEALYLVCGERGFFYTPKT (30 aa). Three disulfide bridges (A6-A11 intra; A7-B7 and A20-B19 inter).
- Molecular weight (Da)
- 5808
- PDB accession
- 3I40
- First reported
- 1921
- Origin
- Discovered by Banting and Best at the University of Toronto; first administered to a human in 1922.
Primary References
Explore research articles about Insulin (Regular Human)
This is an educational reference, not medical advice. Research findings do not establish safety or efficacy for self-administration. Consult the primary sources for study populations, limitations, and current regulatory status.