MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

Overview

MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 (specifically IGF-1Ec) produced in response to mechanical stress in muscle tissue. Unlike systemic IGF-1, MGF acts locally at the site of muscle damage to activate satellite cells, the resident stem cells responsible for muscle repair and growth.

Mechanism of Action

When muscle is mechanically loaded or damaged, the IGF-1 gene is alternatively spliced to produce MGF. This local MGF activates quiescent satellite cells, driving them into the cell cycle for proliferation. Once activated, satellite cells differentiate and fuse with existing muscle fibers, contributing new nuclei for repair and hypertrophy. MGF has a very short half-life due to rapid enzymatic degradation.

Key Research Areas

Considerations for Researchers

Very short half-life (minutes) requires local administration or use of the PEGylated form for systemic effects. Store at -20C. Verify the specific splice variant obtained.