The primary mediator of growth-hormone action and a central node of the GH/IGF axis.
Also known as: IGF-1 · IGF1 · somatomedin C
Part of the Growth hormone & IGF peptides cluster
Overview
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), also called somatomedin C, is a 70-amino-acid peptide hormone structurally related to insulin. Produced largely by the liver in response to growth hormone, it drives childhood growth and has anabolic effects in adults through the IGF-1 receptor. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Produced mainly by the liver under GH control (IGF1 gene)
Primary research or clinical context: Growth, GH/IGF-axis and metabolism research
Structure and control
IGF-1 is a single 70-residue chain stabilized by three disulfide bridges, echoing insulin's architecture. Its production is stimulated by growth hormone and blunted by undernutrition or GH insensitivity, and most circulating IGF-1 travels bound to IGF-binding proteins.
Why it is central
IGF-1 mediates much of growth hormone's downstream activity on bone, muscle and other tissues, making it a key readout in GH-axis research. The recombinant analog mecasermin is approved for severe IGF-1 deficiency, and the base peptide differs from research analogs such as IGF-1 LR3.
FAQ about Insulin-like growth factor 1
What is Insulin-like growth factor 1?+
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), also called somatomedin C, is a 70-amino-acid peptide hormone structurally related to insulin. Produced largely by the liver in response to growth hormone, it drives childhood growth and has anabolic effects in adults through the IGF-1 receptor. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Insulin-like growth factor 1 an approved medicine?+
Insulin-like growth factor 1 is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Growth, GH/IGF-axis and metabolism research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Insulin-like growth factor 1?+
Insulin-like growth factor 1 is commonly described as approximately 70 amino acids (Peptide hormone / growth factor).