Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are predominantly produced by the liver, although a variety of tissues produce the IGFs at distinctive times. The IGFs belong to the insulin gene family, which also contains insulin and relaxin. The IGFs are similar by structure and function to insulin, but have a much higher growth-promoting activity than insulin. IGF-II expression is influenced by placenta lactogen, while IGF-I expression is regulated by growth hormone. Both IGF-I and IGF-II signal through the tyrosine kinase type I receptor (IGF-IR), but, IGF-II can also signal through the IGF-II/Mannose-6-phosphate receptor. Mature IGFs are generated by proteolytic processing of inactive precursor proteins, which contain N-terminal and C-terminal propeptide regions. Recombinant human IGF-I and IGF-II are globular proteins containing 70 and 67 amino acids, respectively, and three intra-molecular disulfide bonds.

IL-4 from mouse has been used to activate B-cells.

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are mitogenic polypeptide growth factors that stimulate the proliferation and survival of various cell types including muscle, bone, and cartilage tissue in vitro.

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Lyophilized with no additives.

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 1 week. For extended storage, it is recommended to further dilute in a buffer containing a carrier protein (example 0.1% BSA) and store in working aliquots at -20°C to -80°C.