Isthmin 1 - a novel insulin-like adipokine.

A new paper reports that the protein isthmin 1 is secreted by mature adipocytes and triggers a signalling cascade similar to that of insulin. The novel adipokine acts through an unidentified receptor tyrosine kinase and, at pharmacological doses in mice, isthmin 1 ameliorates metabolic disturbances associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including hyperglycaemia and liver steatosis.