Insulysin was identified nearly a century ago as an enzyme responsible for the degradation of insulin in cells, although the precise interactions between insulin and insulysin remain elusive. Human insulysin was cloned in 1988, and shown to be a 110 kDa protein that exists primarily as a homodimer, and perhaps also complexed with other molecules. The sequence is well conserved between humans, rats and mice, and the antibody recognizes these species. Insulysin is a metalloproteinase of the clan ME, family M16, which contains an active site HxxEH, a reversal of the canonical HExxH zinc binding motif. Considered a zinc metalloproteinase, the activity of insulysin can be blocked with EDTA or 1-10 phenanthroline. In addition to the active metalloproteinase domain, insulysin contains a second metalloproteinase site which is considered catalytically inactive, and is thought to assist in substrate binding. Insulysin is most closely related to the bacterial proteinase pitrilysin, (the human orthologue of which appears to be MPRP-1) and the mammalian proteinsae nardilysin. Generally thought to be a cytoplasmic protein, insulysin has been isolated from many different tissues and cell lines, and can degrade intact insulin, insulin B-chain, glucagon, denatured hemoglobin, alpha-amyloid protein, TGF-alpha and amylin. Recent work implicates insulysin in clearing beta amyloid plaques from the brain, and has generated much interest in Alzheimer’s disease research. The pH optimum for insulysin is basic, pH 8.5, which also distinguishes it from other metalloproteinases. A recommended starting concentration for Western blots is 1:1000 when using colorimetric substrates such as BCIP/NBT, and 1:5000 for chemiluminescent substrates. Higher concentrations of antibody may be needed for samples from more distantly related species.

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS.

Triple Point Biologics products are sold exclusively through Abcam. For availability, pricing and buying information please select your country below and press 'Go'. You will be relocated to the relevant datasheet page on Abcam's website.