The present invention relates to the novel protein Insulin-Responsive DNA Binding Protein-1 (IRDBP-1) and nucleotide sequences that encode it. IRDBP-1 binds to nucleic acid regions of genes that respond when cells are exposed to insulin. IRDBP-1 regulates genes important in mediating the insulin response in mammals and in regulating conditions such as diabetes, obesity, insulin-resistant syndrome and cell proliferative disorders. The present invention provides nucleic acids useful as probes for detecting nucleic acids encoding regions of the IRDBP-1 protein. Within the scope of the present invention are recombinant cells, tissues and animals containing non-naturally occurring recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding IRDBP-1, including expression vectors, antibodies specific for IRDBP-1, assays for IRDBP-1 polypeptide, and methods relating to all of the foregoing, the development of therapeutic and diagnostic agents that mimic, facilitate or inhibit the action of IRDBP-1, and/or are based on relationships to the structure and action of IRDBP-1.