Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) (IGF2)

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a peptide hormone and growth factor that is essential for fetal growth and development. It is a member of the insulin family and signals through the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and the insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A) to promote cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation (1, 10). IGF2 activity is tightly regulated by IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and the IGF-2 receptor (IGF-2R), the latter of which primarily functions as a scavenger to clear IGF2 from the extracellular space (3, 7). In clinical contexts, IGF2 is a significant factor in oncology, where its overexpression or loss of imprinting is associated with the progression of various tumors, including colorectal and breast cancers (5, 13). Conversely, recent research has highlighted its neuroprotective potential in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, where the natural compound Echinatin has been found to bind and upregulate IGF2 to activate protective PI3K/Akt signaling (16, 19). Therapeutic approaches include neutralizing antibodies for cancer and targeted delivery systems to harness its growth-promoting effects for tissue repair or neuroprotection (7, 16).

Other names

IGF-IISomatomedin-APreptinC11orf43

IGF2 neutralization, IGF2 upregulation, IGF2 signaling inhibition, IGF2 receptor antagonism