What is MGF (IGF-1Ec) (5mg)?

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), also referred to as IGF-1Ec, is a naturally occurring splice variant of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene. Unlike the classical liver-derived isoform IGF-1Ea, which is linked with systemic growth processes, MGF is produced locally in tissues in response to mechanical load, stress, or micro-damage. Its defining feature is the unique Ec-domain peptide extension at the C-terminal end, which distinguishes it from other IGF-1 variants and confers specialized biological functions.

From a research perspective, MGF has attracted attention for its ability to initiate repair and regenerative processes in skeletal muscle, cartilage, and neural tissues. In muscle models, MGF stimulates satellite cell proliferation, laying the groundwork for tissue restoration. Within cartilage, MGF has been shown to influence growth plate chondrocytes, highlighting a role in cellular expansion. In neuroscience research, elevated MGF expression supports neurogenesis and shows protective effects on neurons under conditions of stress or injury.

Chemical Profile of MGF (IGF-1Ec)

1. Identity: Mechano Growth Factor / IGF-1Ec / IGF-1Eb (alternative naming)
2. Molecular formula: C₁₂₄H₂₀₄N₄₂O₄₁S₁
3. Molecular weight: ~2,971.99 Da
4. Structure: Corresponds to the C-terminal Ec-domain peptide of IGF-1Ec
5. Reported sequence: Tyr–Gln–Pro–Pro–Ser–Thr–Asn–Lys–Asn–Thr–Lys–Ser–Gln–Arg–Arg–Lys–Gly–Ser–Thr–Phe–Glu–Glu–Arg–Lys–Cys

Research Insights on MGF (IGF-1Ec)

1. Muscle Tissue: MGF appears to be upregulated following mechanical overload or micro-injury, where it stimulates the early stages of satellite cell activation and proliferation, laying the cellular foundation for muscle renewal.
2. Cartilage & Growth Plates: Evidence indicates MGF supports chondrocyte proliferation, contributing to localized cartilage dynamics.
3. Neural Activity: Experimental work shows MGF enhances progenitor cell activity in the hippocampus and subventricular zones, suggesting roles in maintaining neurogenesis with age.
4. Neuroprotection: Certain studies report protective actions in neuronal models of stress, where MGF helps preserve viability through mechanisms that appear to function independently of classical IGF-1 receptor signaling.

Citations

1. PubChem Compound Summary for MGF E-domain (MGF C-terminal), sequence and molecular data. Overview of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)
2. Schlegel W, Raimann A, Halbauer D, et al. “Insulin‑Like Growth Factor I (IGF‑1Ec/Mechano Growth Factor) in growth plate chondrocytes.” PLoS ONE. 2013;8(10):e76133. Overview of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)
3. Tang JJ, Podratz JL, Lange M, Scrable HJ, Jang MH, Windebank AJ. “Mechano Growth Factor, a splice variant of IGF‑1, promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain.” Mol Brain. 2017;10:23. Overview of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)
4. Qin LL, Li XK, Xu J, et al. “Mechano growth factor promotes proliferation and inhibits differentiation of porcine satellite cells.” Mol Cell Biochem. 2012;370:221–230. Overview of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)
5. Dluzniewska J, Sarnowska A, Beresewicz M, et al. “Neuroprotective effect of the C-terminal MGF peptide in brain ischemia.” FASEB J. 2005;19(13):1896–1898. Overview of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)
6. Schlegel W, Raimann A, Halbauer D, et al. “Mechano‑Growth Factor (IGF‑1Eb/Ec) is mechanically responsive in skeletal muscle.” Molecular Brain. 2017. Overview of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)