The insulin pathway is a complex signaling cascade initiated by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the β-cells of the pancreas. Upon release into the bloodstream, insulin binds to the insulin receptor on the surface of target cells, primarily in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. This binding triggers a series of intracellular events that promote glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and lipid metabolism. The pathway involves several key components, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, which are crucial for mediating insulin's effects.
