Mechano Growth Factor (MGF)
preclinicalAlso 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 activation of muscle satellite cells. This process promotes localized tissue repair and compensatory hypertrophy, distinguishing MGF from systemic IGF-1 isoforms by its rapid, transient expression and autocrine/paracrine effects. Preclinical research, primarily in rodent models, demonstrates that MGF administration or overexpression increases muscle fiber cross-sectional area, accelerates regeneration after injury, and attenuates age-related sarcopenia. Studies also indicate that MGF may exert neuroprotective effects in models of neurodegeneration, though these findings remain preliminary. Notably, MGF’s activity is context-dependent, with its efficacy influenced by the timing of expression relative to mechanical loading or injury. Clinically, MGF has not advanced beyond preclinical investigation, and no human trials have been conducted to date. Its potential applications in muscle wasting disorders, sports injury recovery, and sarcopenia remain speculative. Due to the lack of safety and efficacy data in humans, MGF is not approved for therapeutic use. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
Research & studies
MGF promotes PDLSC proliferation and fibrogenic differentiation by inducing Fyn-YAP Y357 phosphorylation.; Fyn activates YAP indirectly through RhoA in response to MGF stimulation.; The Fyn-RhoA-p-YAP Y357 pathway is significant for MGF-mediated PDLSC proliferation and differentiation.
MGF is highly expressed in chondrocytes of damaged cartilage from trauma or osteoarthritis.; MGF regulates chondrocyte behaviors including proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis.; MGF senses mechanical stimuli and helps maintain cartilage homeostasis under normal joint conditions.; The role of MGF in cartilage development and disease is still controversial and its mechanisms are elusive.
Endogenous MGF expression in adult DRG neurons reduced cisplatin-induced thermal hyperalgesia in vivo.; Exogenous MGF and CMGF protected embryonic DRG neurons from cisplatin-induced cell death in vitro.; Nucleolin was identified as a key binding partner of MGF via mass spectroscopy.; Antibodies against nucleolin prevented the neuroprotective effect of MGF and CMGF in culture.
Endogenous MGF expression in neurogenic brain areas declines with age.; Constitutive MGF overexpression increased BrdU+ proliferative cells in the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone.; Conditional MGF overexpression from 1 or 3 months, but not 12 months, increased proliferating cells and mature neurons in olfactory bulbs at 24 months, preserving olfactory function.; In vitro, MGF increased the size and number of neurospheres from SVZ-derived neural stem cells.
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 194 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Related peptides
Truncated IGF-1 variant with high local potency and short half-life, studied for site-specific muscle growth.
Activin-binding glycoprotein that antagonizes myostatin (GDF-8) to release the brake on skeletal muscle growth.
Long-acting IGF-1 analog with reduced IGFBP binding, prolonging activation of the IGF-1 receptor to drive muscle hypertrophy.
Soluble ActRIIB-Fc decoy receptor that sequesters myostatin and related ligands; trialed in muscular dystrophy before discontinuation.
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