Insulin-like growth factor

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is a polypeptide with a high [sequence similarity]? to insulin. It can trigger the same cellular responses like insulin, including mitogenesis? in cell culture. There are two known [insulin-like growth factor receptor]?s, one of them closely resembling the [insulin receptor]?.

IGF-1 is mainly secreted by the liver as a result of stimulation by [human growth hormone]? (hGH). Almost every cell in the human body is affected by IGF-1, especially cells in muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerves, skin, and lungs. In addition to the insulin-like effects, IGF-1 can also regulate cell growth and development, especially in nerve cells, as well as cellular DNA synthesis.