IGF-1 receptor
Laboratory studies show activation of IGF-1 receptor signaling associated with cell growth, survival, and metabolism.
P—21 • Preclinical research profile
IGF1-LR3
A concise educational overview of an engineered IGF-1 analogue used primarily in laboratory research involving growth-factor signaling, cell survival, and metabolism.
Name
IGF1-LR3
Also known as Long R3 IGF-I or LR3-IGF-1
- Scientific classification
- Engineered insulin-like growth factor-1 analogue with an Arg substitution at position 3 and an N-terminal extension
- Library family
- Hormonal
- Research status
- Preclinical; studied mainly in cell culture and animal models
- Regulatory status
- Not approved for human use; IGF-1 analogues are prohibited in sport
Compound overview
A modified growth-factor analogue designed for reduced interaction with IGF-binding proteins.
IGF1-LR3 is an engineered version of IGF-1 with structural changes that reduce its affinity for several IGF-binding proteins and can increase its apparent activity in laboratory systems.
It is widely used as a research reagent in cell-culture and animal studies. Results involving native IGF-1 cannot automatically be assigned to this analogue, and laboratory potency does not establish safe human use.
Mechanism under study
IGF receptor activation with altered binding-protein interactions
IGF1-LR3 activates IGF-related receptor pathways while its modified structure changes how strongly it is sequestered by IGF-binding proteins.
Reduced binding-protein affinity
Structural modifications reduce binding to several IGF-binding proteins, increasing free analogue availability in experimental systems.
Downstream signaling
IGF receptor activation can engage PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways, with effects that depend strongly on cell type and model.
Greater experimental potency also raises safety questions involving glucose regulation and undesired proliferative signaling.
Current research areas
Questions under investigation
- IGF-1 receptor signaling
- Cell growth and survival
- IGF-binding-protein biology
- Metabolic and glucose effects
- Product characterization and misuse detection
Evidence summary
Laboratory research utility
- Cell-culture research: The analogue can support growth and survival in serum-free mammalian-cell systems.
- Receptor biology: It provides a tool for separating receptor activity from binding-protein effects.
- Animal research: Studies examine metabolic, vascular, and neurological pathways under controlled conditions.
- Translational limits: Available evidence does not establish a safe or effective therapeutic role in humans.
IGF1-LR3 is best understood as a potent research reagent. Human efficacy and safety have not been established.
Educational notice
Education, not usage guidance.
This profile is provided for scientific education only. It is not medical advice, performance-enhancement guidance, dosing information, or instructions for IGF1-LR3 use. The compound is not approved for human use and may carry risks related to hypoglycemia and proliferative signaling.
Key scientific referencesComing soon
A curated primary-source reference list will be added during the next educational expansion.