Insulin-like growth factor 2

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IGF2 gene. IGF-2 is a member of the insulin family of hormones, which play a key role in growth and development.

Function[edit]

IGF-2 is an important regulator of cell growth and cell division. It is particularly critical during fetal development, but continues to have effects throughout life. IGF-2 is produced by the liver and other tissues, and its production is controlled by growth hormone.

Structure[edit]

The IGF-2 protein is a single-chain polypeptide consisting of 67 amino acids. It shares structural similarities with insulin, including the presence of three disulfide bonds.

Clinical significance[edit]

Alterations in the function of IGF-2 are associated with a variety of diseases. Overexpression of IGF-2 is seen in many cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Conversely, reduced levels of IGF-2 are associated with growth retardation and developmental delay.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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