can you provide a list of molecules which insulin binds directly

Insulin primarily binds to the insulin receptor, a transmembrane receptor protein found on the surface of target cells. However, insulin can also bind to other molecules indirectly through interactions with the insulin receptor. Here are some molecules that insulin can bind directly or indirectly:

1. Insulin receptor (IR): Insulin binds directly to the insulin receptor, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling events.

2. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R): Insulin can bind to IGF-1R, which is structurally similar to the insulin receptor. This interaction can activate similar downstream signaling pathways.

3. Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs): Insulin can bind to IGFBPs, which regulate the bioavailability and activity of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). IGFBPs can modulate the effects of insulin on cell growth and metabolism.

4. Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE): IDE is an enzyme involved in the degradation of insulin. It can directly bind to and break down insulin molecules.

5. Insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP): IRAP is a membrane-bound enzyme that can bind to insulin and regulate its cellular trafficking and degradation.

6. Insulin-like peptides (ILPs): In some organisms, such as insects, ILPs can function as insulin-like molecules. They can bind to insulin receptors and regulate similar signaling pathways.

It's important to note that the primary binding site for insulin is the insulin receptor itself. The interactions with other molecules mentioned above can modulate the activity, degradation, or availability of insulin, but they are not direct binding partners like the insulin receptor.