Mechano Growth Factor (MGF)

preclinical

Also known as: IGF-1Ec, MGF peptide

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), also known as IGF-1Ec, is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that is upregulated in response to mechanical stress or muscle damage. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the IGF-1 receptor, which activates downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, leading to enhanced proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is critical for localized muscle repair and hypertrophy, distinguishing MGF from systemic IGF-1 isoforms by its rapid, tissue-specific expression following mechanical loading. Preclinical research has demonstrated that MGF administration or overexpression promotes muscle regeneration and attenuates atrophy in models of injury and aging. Studies in rodent models show increased satellite cell activation, myofiber cross-sectional area, and functional recovery post-crush injury. However, its effects are transient and context-dependent, with some evidence suggesting that chronic overexpression may lead to dysregulated growth or fibrosis. No human clinical trials have been conducted, and the peptide's stability and delivery remain challenges. Clinically, MGF has potential applications in treating muscle wasting disorders, sarcopenia, and sports injuries, but its use remains strictly preclinical. Due to the lack of human safety and efficacy data, MGF is not approved for therapeutic use. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Muscle & Performance
Administration
subcutaneous, intramuscular
Research status
preclinical
References
193
Tags
igf-splice, satellite-cell, repair

Research & studies

Mechano-growth factor regulates periodontal ligament stem cell proliferation and differentiation through Fyn-RhoA-YAP signaling
Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2024 · PubMed
Mechanochemical coupling of MGF mediates periodontal regeneration
Bioengineering & translational medicine · 2023 · PubMed
The role of mechano growth factor in chondrocytes and cartilage defects: a concise review
Acta biochimica et biophysica Sinica · 2023 · PubMed
Mechano-growth factor E-domain modulates cardiac contractile function through 14-3-3 protein interactomes
Frontiers in physiology · 2022 · PubMed
Mechano growth factor interacts with nucleolin to protect against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity
Experimental neurology · 2020 · PubMed
Mechano growth factor, a splice variant of IGF-1, promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain
Molecular brain · 2017 · PubMed

Endogenous MGF expression in neurogenic brain areas declined with age in control mice.; Constitutive MGF overexpression increased BrdU+ proliferative cells in the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone but did not alter post-mitotic neuron distribution.; Conditional MGF overexpression from 1 or 3 months of age increased proliferating cells and mature neurons in olfactory bulbs at 24 months, preserving olfactory function; no effect when started at 12 months.; In vitro, MGF increased the size and number of neurospheres from SVZ-derived neural stem cells.

Increased IGF-IEc expression and mechano-growth factor production in intestinal muscle of fibrostenotic Crohn's disease and smooth muscle hypertrophy
American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology · 2015 · PubMed
Mechano growth factor (MGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 functionalized silk scaffolds enhance articular hyaline cartilage regeneration in rabbit model
Biomaterials · 2015 · PubMed

Frequently asked questions

What is Mechano Growth Factor (MGF)?

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), also known as IGF-1Ec, is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that is upregulated in response to mechanical stress or muscle damage. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the IGF-1 receptor, which activates downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, leading t

How does Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) work?

Mechanically activated IGF-1 splice variant that activates muscle satellite cells for repair and hypertrophy.

What is the research status of Mechano Growth Factor (MGF)?

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is currently classified as preclinical, with 193 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

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