Insulin-like growth factor II

Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is a peptide hormone and growth factor that plays a crucial role in growth and development. It is involved in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Aberrant secretion of IGF-II by tumors can lead to paraneoplastic hypoglycemia, a rare but serious condition. IGF-II also interacts with its receptor, IGF2R, and is implicated in processes like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in chronic pain and hypoxia adaptability. Furthermore, its mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs/IMP3) are significant in tumor metabolic reprogramming and progression in various cancers, including colorectal, cervical, and bladder cancers. Therapeutic strategies involving IGF2 biologics and IGF2-expressing exosomes are being explored for conditions like chronic postsurgical pain and critical limb ischemia, respectively. Its gene expression is also modulated in aquaculture to enhance growth performance in species like red tilapia and shrimp.

Other names

IGF2IGF-2IGF 2insulin-like growth factor IIIGF-II