Metabolic signalling pathways in humans regulate cellular metabolism, energy production, and nutrient utilization. These pathways involve a complex network of enzymes, receptors, and signalling molecules that coordinate various metabolic responses to internal and external cues. One key pathway is the insulin signalling pathway, central to regulating glucose metabolism in man. Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. When insulin binds to its receptor on the cell surface, it activates a cascade of intracellular events ultimately leading to increased glucose uptake, glucose storage as glycogen, and in the liver, inhibition of gluconeogenesis (glucose production). AMPK is a crucial cellular energy sensor that becomes activated when cellular energy levels are low, indicated by a high AMP/ATP ratio. AMPK activation stimulates signalling pathways that increase glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation whilst inhibiting anabolic processes that consume energy such as protein and lipid synthesis. For example, AMPK stimulates the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the cell surface in insulin-sensitive tissues like skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In the basal state, GLUT4 is sequestered in intracellular vesicles, and its translocation to the plasma membrane is required for glucose uptake. To inhibit protein synthesis AMPK directly phosphorylates mTOR, a protein kinase that normally stimulates protein synthesis, and inhibits its activity. By inhibiting other targets such as acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC), an enzyme that catalyses the conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, a critical step in fatty acid synthesis, and HMG-CoA Reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, AMPK inhibits lipid synthesis. Thus, the AMPK-regulated signalling pathways help restore cellular energy balance during times of energy depletion. Glucagon is produced by the pancreas in response to low blood glucose levels. It activates a GPCR signalling cascade that leads to the release of glucose from the liver, promoting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Glucagon and insulin signalling pathways therefore act antagonistically to maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range. SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) is a member of the sirtuin family of proteins, known as NAD+-dependent deacetylases. SIRT1 regulates cellular metabolism and energy production by deacetylating various target proteins. It is involved in the adaptive response to calorie restriction and is implicated in the aging process. PPARs are nuclear receptors that regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. They play a crucial role in adipocyte differentiation, lipid storage, and insulin sensitivity with PPAR agonists used therapeutically to improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Leptin is a hormone produced by adipose tissue that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. It acts on receptors in the hypothalamus, signalling satiety and inhibiting food intake. Leptin resistance can therefore lead to obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Finally, numerous metabolic hormones, such as adrenalin (epinephrine), glucagon, and growth hormone, exert their effects through GPCRs. GPCRs activate various intracellular signalling cascades that regulate glucose metabolism, lipolysis, and other metabolic processes. We provide a wide product catalogue of research tools for investigating metabolic signaling pathways, including GAPDH antibodies, CD36 antibodies, Adiponectin antibodies, Adiponectin ELISA Kits, and Apolipoprotein A I ELISA Kits. Explore our full metabolic signaling pathways product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Energy Transfer Pathways, Lipid & Lipoprotein Metabolism, and Amino Acid Metabolism product ranges.