The insulin-like growth factors, isolated from plasma, are structurally and functionally related to insulin but have a much higher growth-promoting activity. May be a physiological regulator of [1-14C]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) transport and glycogen synthesis in osteoblasts. Stimulates glucose transport in bone-derived osteoblastic (PyMS) cells and is effective at much lower concentrations than insulin, not only regarding glycogen and DNA synthesis but also with regard to enhancing glucose uptake. May play a role in synapse maturation. Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis of IGF1 is required for sensory perception of smell in the olfactory bulb. Acts as a ligand for IGF1R. Binds to the alpha subunit of IGF1R, leading to the activation of the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity which autophosphorylates tyrosine residues in the beta subunit thus initiatiating a cascade of down-stream signaling events leading to activation of the PI3K-AKT/PKB and the Ras-MAPK pathways. Binds to integrins ITGAV:ITGB3 and ITGA6:ITGB4. Its binding to integrins and subsequent ternary complex formation with integrins and IGFR1 are essential for IGF1 signaling. Induces the phosphorylation and activation of IGFR1, MAPK3/ERK1, MAPK1/ERK2 and AKT1.

1. Relative expression of IGF1 was highest in uterus and liver (P < 0.05), followed by oviduct and muscle. This work provided an important experimental basis for further research on the functions of IGF1 in goats. PMID: 28674230
2. These results suggest the significant influence of the IGF1 gene on prolificacy in goats and identified SNPs would benefit the selection of prolific animals in future breeding programs. PMID: 26852275

Secreted.

Insulin family

Expressed in all tissues examined: brain, lung, liver, spleen, uterus, ovary, testis, heart and skeletal muscle.

KEGG: chx:100860838

UniGene: Chi.6376