Insulin-like peptide 6 (INSL6)

Insulin-like peptide 6 (INSL6) is a secreted peptide hormone belonging to the insulin/relaxin protein superfamily, characterized by conserved cysteine motifs and significant similarity to relaxin and relaxin-like factors[1][5][7]. It is encoded by the INSL6 gene, maximally expressed in male germ cells of the testis and proposed to play a role in sperm development and fertilization[3][7]. INSL6 is also upregulated in skeletal muscle following injury, where it functions as a myokine, promoting muscle progenitor cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and facilitating muscle regeneration[2]. Its biological mechanisms remain largely undetermined, and there are currently no known drugs targeting INSL6 or its signaling pathways. While INSL6 shares structural features with other insulin-like peptides, evidence for its involvement in disease or as a therapeutic target is limited[1][2][3][5][7].

Other names

Insulin-like peptide INSL6INSL6RIF1Relaxin/insulin-like factor 1Insulin like 6

None established