Diabetes & Insulin Signaling Research Reagents

Diabetes mellitus affects over 500 million people worldwide and remains one of the most active areas of drug development. The incretin axis — GLP-1 and GIP receptor signaling — has emerged as the dominant therapeutic frontier, with GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists (tirzepatide) achieving unprecedented efficacy in glycemic control and weight reduction. Upstream insulin signaling through the insulin receptor, IRS adaptor proteins, and GLUT4 glucose transporters continues to be fundamental to understanding insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.

Research Use Only (RUO)Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

abinScience provides validated antibodies, recombinant proteins, and ELISA kits for key diabetes and insulin signaling targets — pancreatic hormones, incretin receptors, and intracellular signaling components. Recombinant receptor proteins support binding assays and ADA reagent development for incretin-based biologics. All products are manufactured by our parent company AtaGenix Laboratories under ISO quality systems. Browse products below or contact us for custom development.

Incretin Axis

GLP-1 / GLP-1R (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 & Receptor) — GLP-1 is an incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells that potentiates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety. The GLP-1 receptor is the target of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda), and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Recombinant GLP-1R extracellular domain proteins are essential for ligand-binding assays, biosimilar characterization, and anti-drug antibody (ADA) bridging assay development.
→ Browse GLP-1 & GLP-1R antibodies & proteins

GIP / GIPR (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide & Receptor) — GIP is secreted by intestinal K-cells and accounts for approximately 50% of the incretin effect. The dual GLP-1/GIP agonist tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) has demonstrated superior glycemic and weight outcomes versus GLP-1 mono-agonists. GIPR recombinant proteins support receptor binding and functional assays for next-generation incretin therapeutics.
→ Browse GIP & GIPR antibodies & proteins

Glucagon (GCG) — Counter-regulatory hormone secreted by pancreatic α-cells that raises blood glucose via hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Glucagon receptor antagonism and dual GLP-1/glucagon co-agonists (survodutide) are emerging therapeutic approaches for diabetes and NASH.
→ Browse Glucagon antibodies & proteins

Insulin & Receptor Signaling

Insulin — The primary anabolic hormone regulating glucose uptake, lipid storage, and protein synthesis. Produced by pancreatic β-cells, insulin deficiency (type 1) or resistance (type 2) defines the two major diabetes subtypes. Recombinant insulin proteins serve as immunoassay calibrators, immunization antigens, and functional assay standards. C-Peptide, co-secreted with insulin in equimolar amounts, is used to assess endogenous insulin secretion independently of exogenous insulin therapy.
→ Browse Insulin antibodies & proteins

Insulin Receptor (INSR / CD220) — Receptor tyrosine kinase that initiates insulin signaling via autophosphorylation and recruitment of IRS adaptor proteins. INSR exists as two isoforms (IR-A and IR-B) with distinct ligand binding affinities and tissue distributions. Recombinant INSR extracellular domain proteins support insulin analog binding affinity studies and insulin receptor antibody screening.
→ Browse Insulin Receptor antibodies & proteins

IRS1 / IRS2 (Insulin Receptor Substrates) — Key adaptor proteins phosphorylated by the activated insulin receptor. IRS1 mediates metabolic signaling in skeletal muscle; IRS2 is critical for β-cell survival and hepatic insulin sensitivity. IRS phosphorylation status is a widely used readout for insulin pathway activation and resistance.
→ Browse IRS1 / IRS2 antibodies & proteins

GLUT4 (SLC2A4) — The insulin-responsive glucose transporter predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Insulin stimulates GLUT4 vesicle translocation to the plasma membrane, enabling glucose uptake. Impaired GLUT4 trafficking is a hallmark of insulin resistance. Anti-GLUT4 antibodies support translocation assays by IF and subcellular fractionation.
→ Browse GLUT4 antibodies & proteins

References

1. Drucker DJ. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic application of glucagon-like peptide-1. Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):740-756. DOI

2. Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. DOI

3. Petersen MC, Shulman GI. Mechanisms of insulin action and insulin resistance. Physiol Rev. 2018;98(4):2133-2223. DOI

4. Nauck MA, Meier JJ. Incretin hormones: their role in health and disease. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2018;20(Suppl 1):5-21. DOI