Glossary

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)

Compound

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) — A 70-amino acid polypeptide with structural similarity to insulin, mediating many of the growth-promoting effects of growth hormone.

What Is IGF-1?

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) is a 70-amino acid single-chain polypeptide with a molecular weight of 7649 Da. It shares approximately 50% structural homology with insulin and is primarily produced by the liver in response to growth hormone stimulation. IGF-1 mediates many of the anabolic effects attributed to growth hormone.

The molecule contains three disulfide bonds essential for its tertiary structure and biological activity. Circulating IGF-1 is predominantly bound to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), with IGFBP-3 being the primary carrier.

Mechanism of Action

IGF-1 signals through the IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R), a receptor tyrosine kinase that activates the PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAPK signaling cascades. These pathways regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and protein synthesis. IGF-1 also binds the insulin receptor with lower affinity, creating a complex signaling network.

Research Applications

Growth physiology: IGF-1 is the primary mediator of GH's growth-promoting effects and is measured as a biomarker of GH axis activity
Muscle biology: Research has demonstrated IGF-1's role in satellite cell activation, myoblast proliferation, and muscle hypertrophy signaling
Neuroprotection: Studies show IGF-1 promotes neuronal survival, myelination, and synaptogenesis in CNS models
Metabolic research: IGF-1 improves insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization through receptor crosstalk

Special Handling Notes

IGF-1 requires careful handling due to its three disulfide bonds. Reconstitute with 10mM HCl or acidified water (pH 3-4) for maximum stability. Do not reconstitute in neutral buffers, as this promotes aggregation. Use within 7 days at 2-8°C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)?

A 70-amino acid polypeptide with structural similarity to insulin, mediating many of the growth-promoting effects of growth hormone.

Why is IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) important in peptide research?

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.

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