noun
- Plural of proinsulin; precursor proteins that are cleaved to produce insulin and C-peptide in the pancreas.
Usage: technical; biochemistry; medical
Examples
- Proinsulins are synthesized in the beta cells of the pancreas.
- The conversion of proinsulins to mature insulin is a critical step in glucose regulation.
- Researchers studied how mutations in proinsulins affect insulin production.
- Elevated levels of proinsulins may indicate pancreatic dysfunction.
- The cleavage of proinsulins releases insulin and C-peptide into the bloodstream.