Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-4 (IGFBP-4) is a member of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family. This family of proteins plays a crucial role in modulating the activity of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which are essential for growth and development in humans. IGFBP-4 is encoded by the IGFBP4 gene and is known for its ability to bind both IGF-I and IGF-II, thereby influencing their biological activities.
IGFBP-4 is a 24 kDa protein that circulates in the plasma in both glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms . It contains an IGFBP domain and a thyroglobulin type-I domain, which are critical for its binding affinity to IGFs . The protein is expressed in various tissues, including osteoblasts, epidermis, ovarian follicles, and the liver, where its mRNA expression is most abundant .
The primary function of IGFBP-4 is to regulate the availability and activity of IGFs. By binding to IGF-I and IGF-II, IGFBP-4 prolongs their half-life and modulates their interaction with cell surface receptors . This binding can either inhibit or stimulate the growth-promoting effects of IGFs, depending on the cellular context . IGFBP-4 has been shown to play a role in various physiological processes, including cell growth, survival, and differentiation .
IGFBP-4 exerts its effects by altering the interaction of IGFs with their receptors on the cell surface . This modulation can lead to either the inhibition or stimulation of IGF signaling pathways, which are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis . The precise mechanism by which IGFBP-4 influences these pathways is still under investigation, but it is believed to involve complex interactions with other proteins and cellular components .
IGFBP-4 has been implicated in various diseases and conditions. For example, alterations in IGFBP-4 levels have been associated with growth disorders, cancer, and metabolic diseases . Understanding the role of IGFBP-4 in these conditions could provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies.