IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) is a peptide growth factor extensively studied for its role in cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, and signaling through the IGF-1 receptor pathway.
IGF-1 Receptor Research
Studied for its interaction with the IGF-1 receptor and associated intracellular signaling pathways.
Cellular Growth
Investigated in experimental models examining cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
Growth Factor Signaling
Used in laboratory studies exploring growth-factor-mediated signaling and downstream cellular responses.
Metabolic Research
Studied in experimental systems involving metabolic signaling and the broader growth hormone–IGF axis.
The binding proteins decide
IGF-1 is unusual among the compounds here because the interesting variable is not the molecule itself but what holds it. Roughly 98% of circulating IGF-1 is bound to IGF binding proteins, so the free, available fraction is governed by binding protein availability rather than by total concentration.
That has a direct consequence for how results are read: a total concentration figure is close to uninformative on its own. Two systems with identical totals can have quite different free ligand depending on the binding protein environment.
A protein, not a short peptide
IGF-1 is around 70 residues and roughly 7.6 kDa — a small protein rather than a short peptide. A milligram of it is therefore a very different number of molecules from a milligram of a nine-residue peptide, which matters whenever quantities are compared across compounds.
Its receptor also overlaps considerably with the insulin receptor, which is part of why the literature is careful about attributing effects.
Handling and reconstitution
Standard lyophilised peptide handling applies. Keep the sealed vial cold and dark until it is used. Reconstitute by running bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial rather than firing it onto the powder cake, and let it dissolve without shaking — swirl gently if it needs help.
The concentration you end up with is set by how much water you add, not by the vial size. Our reconstitution calculator turns vial mass and water volume into a concentration and a syringe reading.
Storage
Sealed and lyophilised: refrigerated, protected from light. In solution: refrigerated, and treat time at room temperature as a cost. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw once reconstituted.
What ships, and what is on the certificate
The vial ships sealed as it was filled. Every compound in the catalogue is tested by an outside laboratory — Vanguard Laboratory in Olympia, Washington — and the certificate is published in full rather than summarised.
The certificate reports chromatographic purity by HPLC with the chromatogram visible, the measured quantity in milligrams, and an endotoxin result by LAL. Measured quantity usually reads slightly above the label, which is normal: fills are targeted high so every vial meets its stated content.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the binding proteins matter so much?
About 98% of IGF-1 is bound. Free ligand is set by binding protein availability, so total concentration alone tells you very little.
Is 1mg of IGF-1 comparable to 1mg of a short peptide?
No. At roughly 7.6 kDa it is around ten times the mass per molecule of a short peptide, so the same mass is far fewer molecules.
How should it be reconstituted?
Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then let it dissolve without shaking. The reconstitution calculator will convert vial mass and water volume into a concentration and a syringe reading.
Does it come with a certificate of analysis?
Yes. Every compound is tested by an independent laboratory and the full certificate, chromatogram included, is published on the site rather than summarised.
Is this a medicine?
No. It is sold for in-vitro laboratory research use only. It is not a drug, supplement or cosmetic, and is not for human or veterinary use.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.