 One of these target genes is a suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) which is a strong inhibitor of insulin signaling.As a result, STRA6 signaling suppresses the response to insulin by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, IR, by an influx of insulin.In other words, increased levels of the RBP in obese animals (which will increase STRA6 activity) can facilitate insulin resistance.