Description
IGFBP-4 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4) is member of the IGFBP family of structurally similar secreted glycoproteins . IGFBP-4 binds both insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2 with high affinity and inhibits IGF action in vitro. It circulates in the plasma in both glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms. Binding of this protein prolongs the half-life of the IGFs and alters their interaction with cell surface receptors. There is mounting evidence that IGFBP proteins plays a key role in the regulation of IGF bioavailability, by modulating its molecular size, capillary membrane permeability, target tissue specificity, cell membrane adherence and IGF affinity.