Also known as: PEG-MGF, IGF-1Ec
Mechano growth factor (MGF, IGF-1Ec) is a splice variant of the IGF-1 gene; research peptides are synthetic versions of its C-terminal E-domain, and PEG-MGF is a PEGylated form. Published work covers cell, rodent and rabbit studies of the E-peptide; no peer-reviewed studies of PEG-MGF itself were verified.
Established: MGF is produced by alternative splicing of the IGF-1 gene, and its mRNA has been measured in human muscle biopsies [1]. Proposed: the synthetic E-peptide appears to act independently of the IGF-1 receptor, since its effects in C2C12 and H9c2 cells were not blocked by IGF-1R antibody and did not activate the receptor [1][2]. Proposed: in tenocytes and ligament fibroblasts, researchers linked it to FAK-ERK1/2 and Rho-family signaling that governs cell migration [3][4].
| Study | Model | Reported result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 isoforms after damaging exercise [1] | Human Human muscle-biopsy gene-expression study (endogenous MGF; peptide not administered); plus C2C12 cell work | Design: time-course of IGF-1 isoform gene and protein expression. In C2C12 cells, the E-peptide increased cell number without Akt phosphorylation. Published. | Peer-reviewed In Vivo 2009 |
| MGF E-domain in a coronary-ligation model [2] | Mouse Coronary-ligation model, 2 weeks via osmotic pump; plus sorbitol-stressed H9c2 cardiomyoblasts | Researchers reported pressure-volume and apoptosis-marker measurements; size of the damaged area did not differ. Cells showed less caspase-3 activation. | Peer-reviewed Mol Cell Biochem 2013 |
| E-peptide and tenocyte migration [3] | Cell Primary rat Achilles tenocytes, MGF-C25E peptide for 24 h | Researchers measured higher nuclear stiffness by atomic force microscopy and increased migration; FAK, ERK1/2 or DNA-methylation inhibitors blocked both. | Peer-reviewed Scientific Reports 2016 |
| MGF in a ligament-transection model [4] | Other animal Rabbit partial ACL-transection model; mechanically stretched human ACL fibroblasts | Researchers reported histological, matrix and mechanical measurements in the transected ligament vs controls; fibroblast migration and adhesion after stretch were also measured. | Peer-reviewed Int J Mol Sci 2022 |
| MGF in chondrocytes and cartilage [5] | Review Review of chondrocyte and cartilage-defect studies | Summarized reports on chondrocyte proliferation, migration and apoptosis; authors note the role of MGF in cartilage remains controversial and mechanisms unclear. | Peer-reviewed Acta Biochim Biophys Sin 2023 |
Human trials are listed for research context only; outcomes are reported in the linked publications. Animal and lab results do not establish effects in humans.
PureLab supplies Mechano growth factor (MGF / PEG-MGF) for laboratory research. Lot-specific certificates of analysis are posted on the product page as they are issued.
View research-grade Mechano growth factor