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Insulin Phylogenetic Evolution

Evolutionary history of insulin from ancestral peptides in invertebrates through modern mammalian insulins.

By Encyclopeptide Editorial | 1 min read
insulin evolution phylogeny conservation peptide-hormone

Overview

Insulin is one of the most conserved peptides in biology, with homologous hormones found across all metazoans. Its evolutionary history reveals the fundamental importance of metabolic regulation.

Key Conserved Features

  • Disulfide bonds: Three conserved disulfide bridges
  • Receptor binding surface: Conserved residues at A1, A5, A21, B10, B16, B23-B26
  • Dimerization interface: Conserved hydrophobic residues
  • Proinsulin processing: Conserved cleavage sites

Invertebrate Insulin-Like Peptides

  • Drosophila: 8 ILPs with diverse functions
  • C. elegans: 40 insulin-like genes regulating growth and longevity
  • Hydra: Insulin-related peptides controlling budding

Chemical Identity

PropertyValue
NameInsulin Phylogenetic Evolution
CategoryInsulin Family

References

  1. Encyclopeptide Database. “Insulin Phylogenetic Evolution” monograph. encyclopeptide.com.

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