MGF
Also known as: Mechano Growth Factor, PEG-MGF, IGF-1Ec
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Mechano Growth Factor, a splicing variant of IGF-1 (IGF-1Ec isoform) expressed in muscle tissues after mechanical stimulus. Activates muscle satellite cells, promoting proliferation and fusion for repair and hypertrophy. The PEGylated form (PEG-MGF) has an extended half-life of ~48-72 hours.
YQPPSTNKNTKSQRRKGSTFEERK Tyr-Gln-Pro-Pro-Ser-Thr-Asn-Lys-Asn-Thr-Lys-Ser-Gln-Arg-Arg-Lys-Gly-Ser-Thr-Phe-Glu-Glu-Arg-Lys C-terminal domain of 24 amino acids from the IGF-1Ec isoform. The PEG-MGF form includes PEGylation to extend the half-life.
Half-life
~5-7 minutes (native MGF) / ~48-72 hours (PEG-MGF)
Administration Route
Intramuscular or subcutaneous
Category
Healing & Recovery
Mechanism of Action
- Activation of muscle satellite (progenitor) cells, promoting proliferation and fusion
- Anti-apoptotic effect via caspase-3 inhibition, protecting muscle and cardiac cells
- Autonomous neuroprotective effect of the C-terminal peptide in cerebral ischemia models
- Promotion of angiogenesis and tissue repair at sites of mechanical injury
- Modulation of inflammatory cytokines and macrophage resolution in muscle injury
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 200-400 mcg per injection |
| Frequency | Once daily (MGF) or 2-3 times per week (PEG-MGF) |
| Timing | Immediately after training (30-60 minutes) |
| Duration | 4-6 weeks |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Pain and redness at injection site
- Mild hypoglycemia at high doses
- Localized swelling from water retention
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue and headache (rare)
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of MGF found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 1-2 ml per 2 mg vial
- Inject slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake vigorously
Storage
- Lyophilized: Frozen -20°C (up to 24 months)
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 7-10 days for native MGF, up to 30 days for PEG-MGF)
- Avoid freeze/thaw cycles
- Protect from direct light
- PEG-MGF has slightly better stability than native MGF
Scientific Studies
Published studies on MGF.
A strong neuroprotective effect of the autonomous C-terminal peptide of IGF-1 Ec (MGF) in brain ischemia
Dluzniewska J, Sarnowska A, Beresewicz M, Johnson I, Srai SKS, Ramesh B, Goldspink G, Gorecki DC, Zablocka B
Mechano-growth factor reduces loss of cardiac function in acute myocardial infarction
Carpenter V, Matthews K, Devlin G, Stuart SP, Jensen JA, Conaglen JV, Jeanplong F, Goldspink PH, Yang SY, Goldspink G, Bass JJ, McMahon CD
Mechano Growth Factor E peptide (MGF-E), derived from an isoform of IGF-1, activates human muscle progenitor cells and induces an increase in their fusion potential at different ages
Kandalla PK, Goldspink G, Butler-Browne G, Mouly V