1. What is MGF?
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is an alternatively spliced variant of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) that is expressed in response to mechanical stress or muscle micro-damage.
It plays a critical role in muscle repair, regeneration, and growth by activating satellite cells and stimulating local protein synthesis.
Unlike systemic IGF-1, MGF functions mainly at the local tissue level, making it especially important during the early stages of recovery.
2. MGF Structure
Molecular Formula: C₁₂₁H₂₀₀N₄₂O₃₉
Molecular Weight:2644.9g/mol
CAS Number: 57773-63-4
3. MGF Research
[1] Mechanism of Action & Expression
l Rapidly induced within hours of mechanical overload or muscle strain.
l Appears earlier than IGF-1Ea, signaling immediate recovery priorities.
l Activates satellite cell proliferation, myoblast differentiation, and hypertrophic signaling.
l Acts in an autocrine/paracrine manner, focusing repair activity locally at injury sites.【1】
[2] Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Effects
l Produced by infiltrating macrophages post-injury.
l Helps modulate resolution of inflammation, balancing cytokine responses for optimal recovery.
[3] Tissue Protection Beyond Muscle
l Promotes chondrocyte proliferation and cartilage support.【2】
l Protects tissues under mechanical or ischemic stress, reducing apoptosis.【3】
[4] Neuro-Regenerative Roles
l Supports adult neurogenesis in hippocampal and olfactory regions.
l Provides significant neuroprotection in ischemic brain injury models.【4】
✅ Why Consider MGF (Research Context)?
🏋️ Rapid recovery: Activates muscle satellite cells quickly post-stress.
🛠️ Balanced inflammation: Modulates macrophage activity for efficient repair.
💎 Tissue-specific repair: Distinct from systemic IGF-1 effects.
🦴 Joint support: Promotes cartilage and connective tissue health.
🧠 Neuroprotection: Enhances neurogenesis and brain tissue recovery.
⏳ Extended forms (PEG-MGF): Allow prolonged research activity.
4. Future MGF Research
A. Muscle & Cartilage Regeneration
l PEG-MGF peptides under development for muscle-wasting disorders and joint repair.
l Potential synergy with cell therapies, improving graft integration.
B. Inflammation Modulation
Studies explore MGF’s ability to regulate immune responses in chronic inflammation or autoimmune-like conditions.
C. Neurological & CNS Applications
l Investigated for roles in stroke recovery, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s models.
l Timing appears critical, with differences in young vs. aged tissue responses.
D. Cardiovascular & Organ Protection
l MGF shows protective effects in ischemic tissues such as the heart.
l Research continues into its role in organ transplant recovery protocols.
E. Delivery & Safety
l Development of PEGylated or hydrogel formulations for sustained bioactivity.
l Ongoing safety profiling to assess risks of unwanted proliferation.
5. Application Area
l Musculoskeletal Repair: Skeletal muscle, tendon, and ligament recovery.
l Cartilage & Osteoarthritis Research: Promotes chondrocyte proliferation.
l Neurological Regeneration: Brain repair, aging studies, neurodegenerative models.
l Cardiometabolic Studies: Organ protection after ischemic injury.
l Longevity & Sports Science: Investigated for recovery and performance-related fields.
⚠️6. Safety & Considerations
n Current data largely from animal and preclinical studies; human trials remain limited.
n Not recommended in contexts of cancer risk, as growth signals may affect proliferation.
n PEG-MGF requires careful study to avoid immune responses or fibrosis.
n Research-grade purity is essential for reliable outcomes.
✅ Summary
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a unique IGF-1 splice variant that provides rapid, localized signaling for muscle regeneration, cartilage repair, neuroprotection, and tissue survival.
Its distinct profile—fast induction, short local action, and inflammation modulation—makes it an exciting subject of study in regenerative medicine, sports recovery, and neurology.
Future advances in delivery technologies and long-term safety profiling will further clarify its potential.
⚠️ Disclaimer
ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition, ailment, or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.
