Description
Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) is a single chain 7 kDa growth-promoting polypeptide originally identified as somatomedin-c. It belongs to the IGF family of peptides, which also includes IGF-II and insulin. The gene expression of IGF-I is mainly regulated by Growth Hormone, and IGF-I executes its functions via signaling through transmembrane tyrosine receptors (IGF Receptors). Most circulating IFG-I is associated with the IGF Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and the IGFBPs may inhibit the actions of IGFs by competing against the IGF Receptors. IGF-I is active in post-natal and adult animals, and is crucial for somatic growth, as IGF-I null mice show marked retardation in utero. IGF-I is involved in the carcinogenesis, and related to the prostate cancer as well.