Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Des (1-3) (Human Recombinant), often abbreviated as IGF-1 Des (1-3), is a truncated form of the naturally occurring Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). This variant lacks the first three amino acids at the N-terminus, which significantly enhances its biological activity compared to the full-length IGF-1. IGF-1 Des (1-3) is primarily used in research and therapeutic applications due to its potent anabolic effects, promoting cell growth and development.
IGF-1 is a hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin and plays a crucial role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adults. IGF-1 Des (1-3) binds to the IGF-1 receptor with higher affinity than the full-length IGF-1, leading to more pronounced effects on cell proliferation and differentiation. This makes it a valuable tool in both clinical and laboratory settings.
The recombinant form of IGF-1 Des (1-3) is typically produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the host organism. The gene encoding IGF-1 Des (1-3) is inserted into a plasmid vector, which is then introduced into E. coli cells. These cells are cultured under specific conditions to express the protein. The expressed protein is harvested from the cells, purified through a series of chromatography steps, and then refolded to achieve its active conformation.
IGF-1 Des (1-3) undergoes various chemical reactions during its synthesis and purification. The initial step involves the expression of the protein in inclusion bodies within the E. coli cells. These inclusion bodies are then solubilized using denaturing agents, and the protein is purified using techniques such as ion-exchange chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography. The final product is analyzed using methods like mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ensure its purity and correct folding.
IGF-1 Des (1-3) has a wide range of applications in both research and medicine. In research, it is used to study cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. In medicine, it has potential therapeutic applications in conditions such as growth hormone insensitivity, muscle wasting diseases, and certain types of cancer. Its ability to promote muscle growth and repair also makes it of interest in sports medicine and anti-aging research.