The dominant fetal growth factor of the insulin-like family, regulated by genomic imprinting.
Also known as: IGF-2 · IGF2 · somatomedin A
Part of the Growth hormone & IGF peptides cluster
Overview
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a ~67-amino-acid peptide of the insulin-like family that promotes cell growth, survival, migration and differentiation. It is the major growth factor of fetal development and is encoded by the imprinted IGF2 gene. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Encoded by the imprinted IGF2 gene (chromosome 11p15.5)
Primary research or clinical context: Fetal growth, imprinting and cancer-biology research
Structure and imprinting
IGF-2 shares the insulin-like fold and interacts with the IGF-1 receptor, the insulin receptor and the IGF-2 (mannose-6-phosphate) receptor. The IGF2 gene lies in an imprinted region of chromosome 11p15.5 and is expressed mainly from the paternal allele.
Research relevance
IGF-2 is essential for fetoplacental growth and continues to act as an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine factor after birth. Dysregulated imprinting and overexpression are studied in overgrowth syndromes and in cancer biology, where IGF-2 signaling supports proliferation.
FAQ about Insulin-like growth factor 2
What is Insulin-like growth factor 2?+
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a ~67-amino-acid peptide of the insulin-like family that promotes cell growth, survival, migration and differentiation. It is the major growth factor of fetal development and is encoded by the imprinted IGF2 gene. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Insulin-like growth factor 2 an approved medicine?+
Insulin-like growth factor 2 is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Fetal growth, imprinting and cancer-biology research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Insulin-like growth factor 2?+
Insulin-like growth factor 2 is commonly described as approximately 67 amino acids (Peptide hormone / growth factor).