Function
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) are proteins with high sequence similarity to insulin. IGF are ligands in a complex called the IGF axis, which contains 2 IGF receptors, 6 IGF-binding proteins and IGF-binding protein degrading enzyme[1].
- IGF I is secreted in the liver after stimulation by growth hormone. See details in IGF1 and Igf1 - alec.
- IGF II is required in early development stages.
Relevance
Inhibition of IGF I influences colon cancer[2]. IGF I has protective effect in neuropathy[3].
See also Insulin-like growth factor receptor and Insulin-like growth factor 1.