We previously reported a ligand‐independent and rhodopsin‐dependent insulin receptor (IR) neuroprotective signaling pathway in both rod and cone photoreceptor cells, which is activated through protein–protein interaction. Our previous studies were performed with either retina or isolated rod or cone outer segment preparations and the expression of IR signaling proteins were examined. The isolation of outer segments with large portions of the attached inner segments is a technical challenge. Optiprep™ density gradient medium has been used to isolate the cells and subcellular organelles, Optiprep™ is a non‐ionic iodixanol‐based medium with a density of 1.320 g/mL. We employed this method to examine the expression of IR and its signaling proteins, and activation of one of the downstream effectors of the IR in isolated photoreceptor cells. Identification of the signaling complexes will be helpful for therapeutic targeting in disease conditions.

中文翻译：

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视网膜感光神经元中非典型的视紫红质介导的胰岛素受体信号通路

我们之前曾报道过杆状和锥状感光细胞中的配体独立和视紫红质依赖性胰岛素受体（IR）神经保护信号通路，该通路通过蛋白-蛋白相互作用被激活。我们以前的研究是用视网膜或分离的棒状或圆锥形外段制剂进行的，并检测了IR信号蛋白的表达。将外部段与所连接的内部段的大部分隔离开来是一项技术挑战。Optiprep™密度梯度培养基已用于分离细胞和亚细胞器。Optiprep™是一种基于非离子碘克沙醇的培养基，密度为1.320 g / mL。我们采用这种方法来检查IR及其信号蛋白的表达，以及在分离的感光细胞中激活IR的下游效应子之一。