The IGF II Receptor is a protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the growth and differentiation of various cell types. Its full name, spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /aɪ dʒiː ɛf aɪ aɪ rɛˈsɛptər/ - where 'aɪ' stands for the long 'i' sound, 'dʒiː' represents the 'g' sound, 'ɛf' is pronounced as the letter 'f', 'aɪ' again as the long 'i', and 'rɛˈsɛptər' corresponds to the word 'receptor' with emphasis on the second syllable.
The IGF II receptor, also known as the insulin-like growth factor II receptor, is a cell surface receptor protein found in various tissues and cell types throughout the body. It is a type of receptor that specifically binds to insulin-like growth factor II (IGF II), a peptide hormone involved in the regulation of cell growth and development.
The IGF II receptor functions to control the availability and activity of IGF II by binding to it and subsequently internalizing and degrading it. This receptor plays a key role in regulating cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The binding of IGF II to its receptor triggers a signaling cascade inside the cell that regulates various downstream pathways involved in growth and development.
Abnormalities or dysregulation of the IGF II receptor can have significant implications for cellular homeostasis and may contribute to the development of various diseases. For example, overexpression or mutations in the IGF II receptor have been associated with cancer, as it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Additionally, changes in IGF II receptor levels or activity have been implicated in certain developmental disorders, including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
Overall, the IGF II receptor is a critical component of the cellular machinery that regulates the activity and availability of the insulin-like growth factor II hormone, serving as a key mediator of cellular growth and development.