Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(6): 356-359
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243603
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© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Insulin Signal Transduction in Normal Cells and its Role in Carcinogenesis

K. Müssig1 , H.-U. Häring1
  • 1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Angiology, Nephrology, and Clinical Chemistry, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Publikationsverlauf

received 17.11.2009 first decision 17.11.2009

accepted 20.11.2009

Publikationsdatum:
05. Februar 2010 (online)

Abstract

Convincing epidemiological evidence exists for a causal relationship between increased risk of cancer development and progression and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as obesity. Though the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, in light of the well-described mitogenic actions of insulin, hyperinsulinaemia in the presence of insulin resistance is probably a key factor. In this short review, an overview over the insulin signalling cascade is given paying special attention to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways which are involved in protein synthesis and cell growth.

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Correspondence

Prof. Dr. med. H.-U. Häring

Medizinische Klinik IV

Universitätsklinikum

Tübingen

Otfried-Müller-Str 10

D-72076 Tübingen

Germany

Telefon: +49/7071/2982735

Fax: +49/7071/292784

eMail: hans-ulrich.haering@med.uni-tuebingen.de

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