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IGF-1 splice-variant peptide

MGF

MGF (mechano growth factor) is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) that shares the mature IGF-1 region but carries a different E-domain.

By The Peptides Codex Editorial TeamIndividual review date not recorded

Page data last changed: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.

Length
24 aa
Class
IGF-1 splice-variant peptide
Function
Studied for signaling in muscle repair and satellite-cell activation
Context
Investigational research peptide; not authorized by Health Canada

A splice variant of IGF-1 whose distinct E-domain gives it a separate identity.

Also known as: mechano growth factor · IGF-1Ec

Part of the Growth hormone & IGF peptides cluster

Overview

MGF (mechano growth factor) is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) that shares the mature IGF-1 region but carries a different E-domain. Research peptides often use its ~24-residue C-terminal E-domain fragment. It is investigational and not authorized by Health Canada; this page is educational only.

Source & context

Biological / chemical source: C-terminal fragment of an alternatively spliced IGF-1 transcript

Primary research or clinical context: Investigational research peptide; not authorized by Health Canada

Relationship to IGF-1

The IGF1 gene can be spliced into forms with different E-domains. One variant is mechano growth factor, expressed in muscle after mechanical load or damage. It shares the mature IGF-1 sequence but its unique C-terminal peptide is what distinguishes MGF and is the portion most studied on its own.

Research context and status

MGF is studied for a possible role in activating muscle satellite cells during repair, and it appears on anti-doping prohibited lists. Evidence in humans is limited and preliminary. It is an investigational compound, not an approved drug in Canada, and nothing here should be read as endorsing use.

Structure & chemistry

Molecular identity & reference confidence

Reference mass unavailable

Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.

Molecular form
MGF (source record; form not independently established)
Species
Not established by this molecular identity audit
Termini (N / C)
Not specified / Not specified

Average reference mass

Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05

Clinical development snapshot

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 102 registered studies with “MGF” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.

Registered studies
102
Highest phase reached
Phase 4
Active in latest 100
13
Most recent update
2026-08-10
Most recently updated studies
NCTTitlePhaseStatusUpdated
NCT03851614Study of DNA Damage, Angiogenesis, and PD-L1 Inhibitors in Advanced Solid TumorsPhase 2active not recruiting2026-08-10
NCT07037420ALXN2420 Versus Placebo in Combination With Somatostatin Analogs in Participants With AcromegalyPhase 2terminated2026-08-07
NCT03253263A Clinical Efficacy and Safety Study of OHB-607 in Preventing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely PrematurPhase 2active not recruiting2026-08-03
NCT07271212Scalp Care Efficacy Evaluation for Premium Revitalizing ElixirNot applicablecompleted2026-07-10
NCT07658846Hippo-Related Competing Endogenous RNA (ceRNA) Network Dysregulation and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcomes—not yet recruiting2026-06-22
NCT07659912Direct Versus Video Laryngoscopy in Patients With Acromegaly—not yet recruiting2026-06-22
See all on ClinicalTrials.gov →

FAQ about MGF

What is MGF?+

MGF (mechano growth factor) is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) that shares the mature IGF-1 region but carries a different E-domain. Research peptides often use its ~24-residue C-terminal E-domain fragment. It is investigational and not authorized by Health Canada; this page is educational only.

What Canadian product status is recorded for MGF?+

Canadian product status for MGF has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.

What is the typical length of MGF?+

MGF is commonly described as approximately 24 amino acids (IGF-1 splice-variant peptide).

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Matrixyl
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References & further reading

  1. 1.Milingos et al. (2011). Insulinlike growth factor-1Ec (MGF) expression in eutopic and ectopic endometrium: characterization of the MGF E-peptide actions in vitro. Mol Med
  2. 2.Armakolas et al. (2010). Preferential expression of IGF-1Ec (MGF) transcript in cancerous tissues of human prostate: evidence for a novel and autonomous growth factor activity of MGF E peptide in human prostate cancer cells. Prostate
  3. 3.Tang et al. (2017). Mechano growth factor, a splice variant of IGF-1, promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain. Mol Brain
  4. 4.Vassilakos et al. (2014). Biological activity of the e domain of the IGF-1Ec as addressed by synthetic peptides. Hormones (Athens)
  5. 5.Alagaratnam et al. (2020). Increased expression of IGF-1Ec with increasing colonic polyp dysplasia and colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol
  6. 6.Kandalla et al. (2011). Mechano Growth Factor E peptide (MGF-E), derived from an isoform of IGF-1, activates human muscle progenitor cells and induces an increase in their fusion potential at different ages. Mech Ageing Dev
  7. 7.Liu et al. (2023). The role of mechano growth factor in chondrocytes and cartilage defects: a concise review. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai)
  8. 8.Luo et al. (2015). Mechano growth factor (MGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 functionalized silk scaffolds enhance articular hyaline cartilage regeneration in rabbit model. Biomaterials
  9. 9.Wikipedia — Mechano growth factor
  10. 10.Wikipedia — Insulin-like growth factor 1 (splice variants)
Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. Not instructions for human use. Research peptides and unapproved products may be restricted or illegal to market for human consumption in your jurisdiction. Consult qualified professionals and applicable law.
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