MGF
also known as Mechano Growth Factor, IGF-1Ec, MGF peptide, E-domain peptide
Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is the IGF-1Ec splice variant produced locally in skeletal muscle in response to mechanical loading or damage. Distinguished from systemic IGF-1 by a unique 49-amino-acid E-domain that activates satellite cells and drives muscle repair independently of mature IGF-1. The synthetic 24-amino-acid E-domain peptide recapitulates MGF bioactivity in vitro and in rodent models but lacks human clinical validation.
At a glance
SQ · Research context only
Primary target — Satellite cells (Pax7+) in skeletal muscle [moore-2018].
Pathway — Mechanical stress → IGF-1Ec mRNA upregulation → Local E-domain peptide release → Satellite cell activation.
Downstream effect — Satellite cell proliferation, myoblast differentiation, muscle fiber repair.
Origin — Alternative splicing of IGF-1 gene (exons 4-6) produces IGF-1Ec precursor; E-domain cleaved post-translationally [armakolas-2016][vassilakos-2017].
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Synthetic peptide | 24-amino-acid E-domain sequenceCorresponds to human IGF-1Ec exons 4-6 region. |
| Rodent cardiac model | 200 μg/kg via peptide-eluting microstructuresPost-MI injection; improved ejection fraction by 8 weeks. |
| Acute delivery (mouse MI) | Single bolus within 12 hrs post-infarction [shioura-2014]Delayed decompensation; no human protocol established. |
| Human evidence | None — no published clinical trialsAll dosing extrapolated from animal models. |
| Detection in doping | Full-length MGF detected via LC-MS in illicit products [thevis-2014]WADA-prohibited since 2005; no therapeutic indication. |
| Evidence basis | Animal models + in vitro only |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
- — Active malignancy or history of IGF-1-sensitive cancers (prostate, colorectal, breast, osteosarcoma)
- — No established therapeutic use — investigational only
- — Family history of IGF-1-axis malignancies
- — Use outside research setting
- 01No validated protocol
MGF (E-domain peptide) has no approved clinical protocol. All published data derive from animal models or in vitro experiments.
- 02Synthetic peptide form
Commercially available MGF corresponds to the 24-amino-acid human E-domain (hEc). Rodent E-domain (Eb) is structurally distinct and not interchangeable.
- 03Animal delivery models
Rodent studies used peptide-eluting polymeric microstructures (cardiac) or direct intramuscular injection. Routes and doses non-translatable to humans. [pea-2015][shioura-2014]
- 04WADA prohibition
MGF peptides prohibited in sport since 2005. Detection via LC-MS established for full-length MGF products. [thevis-2014]
- 05Research context only
Any human use falls outside approved medical practice and regulatory frameworks. No safety or efficacy data exist.
MGF activates satellite cells for muscle fiber repair; BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and tendon healing via distinct pathways (VEGF, FAK, integrin signaling). Theoretical synergy in post-injury contexts combines myogenic (MGF) and stromal (BPC-157) repair mechanisms. Both lack human validation.
TB-500 (thymosin beta-4 fragment) enhances actin polymerization, cell migration, and angiogenesis—complementary to MGF satellite cell activation. Both upregulated post-injury; combined use presumed additive for muscle regeneration in preclinical models.
Sources
of 55 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [armakolas-2016]Armakolas 2016 — The role of the IGF-1 Ec in myoskeletal system and osteosarcoma pathophysiology.
journal, 2016 - [moore-2018]Moore 2018 — Blunted satellite cell response is associated with dysregulated IGF-1 expression after exercise with age.
journal, 2018 - [papageorgiou-2016]Papageorgiou 2016 — The human Ec peptide: the active core of a progression growth factor with species-specific mode of action.
journal, 2016 - [pea-2015]Peña 2015 — Localized delivery of mechano-growth factor E-domain peptide via polymeric microstructures improves cardiac function following myocardial infarction.
journal, 2015 - [shioura-2014]Shioura 2014 — Administration of a Synthetic Peptide Derived from the E-domain Region of Mechano-Growth Factor Delays Decompensation Following Myocardial Infarction.
journal, 2014 - [taghibeikzadehbadr-2020]Taghibeikzadehbadr 2020 — Effect of different muscle contraction mode on the expression of Myostatin, IGF-1, and PGC-1 alpha family members in human Vastus Lateralis muscle.
journal, 2020 - [thevis-2014]Thevis 2014 — Mass spectrometric characterization of a biotechnologically produced full-length mechano growth factor (MGF) relevant for doping controls.
journal, 2014 - [vassilakos-2017]Vassilakos 2017 — Identification of the IGF-1 processing product human Ec/rodent Eb peptide in various tissues: Evidence for its differential regulation after exercise-induced muscle damage in humans.
journal, 2017