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MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) produced in skeletal muscle in response to mechanical overload and muscle damage. Derived from the IGF-1 gene via alternative splicing, MGF contains a unique C-terminal E-domain peptide sequence (MGF E-peptide) not present in the systemic IGF-1Ea isoform. With expression rapidly upregulated following resistance exercise or stretch-induced muscle injury, MGF is a specialized research tool for studying mechanotransduction-driven muscle repair, satellite cell activation, and local IGF-1 isoform biology.

Technical Specifications

Property Value
CAS Number —
Molecular Formula —
Molecular Weight ~2,867 Da (MGF E-peptide, 24 aa)
Purity ≥98% (HPLC-verified)
Appearance Lyophilized white powder
Solubility Soluble in dilute acetic acid or aqueous buffers
Storage -20°C (lyophilized), 2–8°C (reconstituted)

Mechanism of Action

MGF functions as a local, autocrine/paracrine growth factor distinct from systemic (liver-derived) IGF-1. Following mechanical stress, the Igf1 gene undergoes alternative splicing to produce the MGF isoform, which includes a unique 24-amino acid C-terminal E-domain. The MGF E-peptide acts independently of the mature IGF-1 peptide to activate satellite cells (muscle stem cells) via a receptor distinct from IGF-1R — potentially through direct membrane interaction or a yet-unidentified receptor — inducing satellite cell proliferation and migration to sites of micro-damage without premature differentiation into myotubes. This initial proliferative phase expands the satellite cell pool, after which a splice switch to the IGF-1Ea isoform promotes myoblast differentiation and fusion to repair damaged myofibers. Unlike systemic IGF-1 LR3, MGF operates through a spatially and temporally restricted mechanism, acting only at the site of mechanical stress with a short half-life measured in minutes.

Research Applications

  • Primary: Skeletal muscle mechanotransduction — satellite cell activation, muscle repair after mechanical overload
  • Secondary: Resistance exercise molecular biology, muscle hypertrophy signaling, age-related muscle wasting (sarcopenia) models
  • Model Systems: In vitro (C2C12 myoblasts, primary satellite cell cultures), in vivo (muscle stretch/overload rodent models, synergist ablation hypertrophy models)

Quality Control & Analytical Methods

  • HPLC: ≥98% purity verification at 214/220 nm (C18 reversed-phase column)
  • Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS for molecular weight confirmation
  • Peptide Content: Amino acid analysis (AAA) for net peptide content determination
  • Endotoxin: <1 EU/mg (LAL assay)
  • TFA Content: <1% (ion chromatography)

Stability & Storage

Condition Stability
-20°C (lyophilized) 24 months
4°C (lyophilized) 6 months
25°C (lyophilized) 1 month
Reconstituted (4°C) 7 days
Reconstituted (-20°C) 30 days

Key Research References

  • Goldspink (2005) — Mechanical signals, IGF-I gene splicing, and muscle adaptation. Physiology. PMID: 16024513
  • Yang & Goldspink (2002) — Different roles of the IGF-I Ec peptide (MGF) and mature IGF-I in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. FEBS Lett. PMID: 12052375
  • Hill & Goldspink (2003) — Expression and splicing of the insulin-like growth factor gene in muscle. J Physiol. PMID: 12750431

Source & Purchase

For researchers requiring research-grade MGF with full analytical documentation including HPLC, LC-MS, and Certificate of Analysis, visit the HK Peptides product page for specifications, bulk pricing, and ordering.

View MGF Product →

FAQ

Q: What purity level is standard for MGF? A: HK Peptides supplies MGF at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.

Q: How should MGF be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized MGF should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).