PEG-MGF (5mg) 

Overview

PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a synthetic, chemically modified derivative of Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1Ec). Through pegylation—the covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol molecules—PEG-MGF achieves dramatically enhanced stability and an extended biological half-life compared to native MGF.

In research settings, PEG-MGF has been investigated for its ability to activate satellite cells (muscle stem cells), promote localized tissue repair, and support regenerative processes in skeletal muscle, cardiac tissue, tendons, and neural structures. The pegylation modification extends MGF's half-life from approximately 5-7 minutes to 48-72 hours, enabling sustained biological activity and positioning it as a valuable tool for studying tissue-specific repair mechanisms.

Chemical Structure

1. Class: Pegylated peptide growth factor; IGF-1Ec splice variant
2. Modification: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation via succinyl linker
3. Molecular Formula: C₁₂₁H₂₀₀N₄₂O₃₉ (peptide component)
4. Molecular Weight: ~2,948 Da (including PEG modification)
5. Sequence: PEG-Suc-YQPPSTNKNTKSQRRKGSTFEEHK-NH₂
6. Synonyms: Pegylated MGF, PEG IGF-1Ec

Research Applications & Findings

1. Satellite Cell Activation & Muscle Regeneration
Studies demonstrate that PEG-MGF specifically activates quiescent satellite cells, stimulating proliferation while temporarily preventing premature differentiation, allowing expansion of the myogenic precursor pool before fusion with existing muscle fibers.

2. Cardiac Protection & Myocardial Repair
Research shows MGF exhibits cardioprotective properties following myocardial infarction, with improved hemodynamic function and reduced apoptosis in infarct border zones, suggesting specialized roles in acute cardiac adaptation.

3. Neuroprotection & Neural Regeneration
Laboratory trials document significant neuroprotective effects in brain ischemia models, with evidence of enhanced neural progenitor cell proliferation and neurogenesis following hypoxic-ischemic insults.

4. Inflammatory Modulation & Wound Healing
PEG-MGF modulates inflammatory responses by improving macrophage and neutrophil recruitment to injury sites, accelerating tissue resolution phases and enhancing overall wound healing rates.

5. Tendon, Ligament & Connective Tissue Repair
Studies reveal enhanced healing rates in tendons and ligaments through increased fibroblast migration, improved collagen organization, and elevated growth factor expression at injury sites.

6. Age-Related Muscle Preservation
In sarcopenia models, PEG-MGF demonstrates ability to counteract age-related decline in satellite cell function, potentially restoring regenerative capacity in aging muscle tissue.

Research Status

PEG-MGF remains an active area of investigation in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering research. Its unique mechanism—operating independently of IGF-1 receptor binding while promoting localized satellite cell activation—distinguishes it from other growth factors. The compound's extended half-life and stability make it well-suited for in vivo studies requiring sustained biological activity, though all applications remain firmly in the experimental research domain.