From the Guidelines
Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2) is a protein that plays a crucial role in cell growth and proliferation, particularly in the context of tissue regeneration and wound healing.
Key Characteristics of IGF2
- Released by macrophages and fibroblasts, contributing to osteoblast proliferation and bone matrix synthesis 1
- Involved in the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS pathway), which is implicated in the aging process and lifespan regulation 1
- Synergistic effects with PDGF on the mitogenesis of periodontal and bone precursor cells have been described, highlighting its potential role in tissue regeneration 1
Biological Properties and Functions
- IGF2 is a potent mitogen for various cell types, including osteoblasts and fibroblasts
- It promotes cell growth and proliferation, and is involved in the regulation of glucose uptake and protein translation
- IGF2 has been shown to contribute to the formation of new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament in preclinical studies 1
Clinical Relevance
- The use of recombinant human growth factors, including IGF2, has been explored in the context of oral hard and soft tissue regeneration 1
- Modulating the IIS pathway, which includes IGF2, has been shown to impact the rate of aging and postpone the advent of aging-related diseases 1
From the Research
Definition and Function of Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2)
- IGF2 is a protein hormone that regulates cell proliferation, growth, migration, differentiation, and survival 2.
- The IGF2 gene is parentally imprinted, meaning that transcripts are almost exclusively derived from the paternal allele 2, 3.
Role of IGF2 in Development and Disease
- IGF2 plays a crucial role in fetal and prenatal growth and development 4, 5.
- Overexpression of IGF2 has been linked to growth disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disease 2, 3, 4, 6.
- IGF2 has been implicated in the development of various cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer 2.
- IGF2 has also been shown to influence the size of atherosclerotic lesions, contributing to cardiovascular disease 2.
Regulation of IGF2 Expression
- IGF2 expression is controlled by differential expression of receptors and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) that determine protein availability 3.
- The IGF2 gene is regulated at the genetic level by parental imprinting, with expression predominantly from the paternally derived chromosome in mice and humans 5.
- Loss of imprinting of the IGF2 gene is a recurrent observation in growth disorders and cancer 2, 6.