Which protein is involved in the short-term insulin signaling pathway leading to increased glucose uptake?

The protein involved in the short-term insulin signaling pathway that leads to increased glucose uptake is Protein kinase B, also known as AKT. When insulin binds to its receptor on the surface of cells, it activates a variety of downstream signaling pathways. One of the key pathways involves the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrates (IRS), which subsequently activates Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K).

PI3K then catalyzes the conversion of PIP2 to PIP3. This increase in PIP3 provides docking sites for Protein kinase B. Once recruited to the membrane, Protein kinase B is activated by phosphorylation through various kinases, including 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1).

The activation of Protein kinase B is crucial for promoting several processes, including the translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the cellular membrane. The presence of GLUT4 on the plasma membrane facilitates increased glucose uptake by the cell in response to insulin. Therefore, Protein kinase B plays a central role in the mediation of insulin's effects on glucose homeostasis.

Understanding this signaling pathway highlights the critical actions of Protein kinase B in metabolic regulation and glucose metabolism, especially in the context of insulin