The IGF System

The IGF system is constituted by insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I und –II), IGF receptors, IGF binding proteins (IGFBP-1 to -6) and IGFBP proteases.

IGFBPs are central determinants of the IGF actions.

 

The IGF system as a dominant effector of growth, metabolism and aging specifically impacts on normal and malignant growth, bone growth, fertility, muscle or fat accretion, re- or degeneration and thus life span and is a target for the treatment of many diseases including cancer.