MGF (IGF-1Ec) (5mg)

What is MGF (IGF‑1Ec)?

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), also known as IGF‑1Ec, is an alternatively spliced isoform of the IGF‑1 gene, specifically produced in response to mechanical stress or tissue damage. Unlike the liver-derived IGF‑1Ea, MGF contains a unique C-terminal extension known as the “Ec peptide.” Research shows that MGF has distinct roles in promoting muscle stem cell proliferation, chondrocyte activity, and neurogenesis—supporting its study in tissue repair and regeneration models.

Chemical Structure of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)

MGF corresponds to the C-terminal (E‑domain) peptide of IGF‑1Ec, with the 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. This fragment carries a molecular formula of C₁₂₄H₂₀₄N₄₂O₄₁S₁ and a molecular weight of approximately 2,971.99 Da. Synonyms include Mechano Growth Factor, IGF‑1Eb, and the E-peptide of IGF‑1Ec.

What Are the Effects of MGF (IGF‑1Ec)?

In preclinical models, MGF promotes satellite cell activation and proliferation following muscle damage, triggering regenerative repair in skeletal and cardiac muscle. It also enhances chondrocyte proliferation, indicating roles in cartilage growth plate dynamics. In the nervous system, MGF overexpression boosts neural progenitor cell proliferation in hippocampal and subventricular zones, sustaining neurogenesis in aging mouse brain. Additionally, MGF exhibits neuroprotective properties, preserving neurons in ischemia models through receptor-independent pathways.

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)