Growth, differentiation, and survival: multiple physiological functions for insulin-like growth factors

摘要: The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF-I and IGF-II, comprise a conserved pair of secreted proteins with diverse effects on growth, development, metabolism. Insulin-like factor action is initiated upon binding to cell-surface receptors modulated through interactions IGF (IGFBPs). last decade has seen an explosion new information about the physiological roles IGFs. In this review, we critically examine from biochemical, cell biological, molecular genetic perspectives. We discuss structures functions two receptors, outline actions six IGFBPs, summarize interpret recent studies highlighting essential for components system in development embryo fetus, tissue differentiation, survival proliferation, cancer. These results are discussed context opportunities understanding mechanisms multiple biological processes.