Description
IGF-1LR3: Backgrounder
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Long Arg3 (IGF-1LR3) is a synthetic peptide analog of the naturally occurring IGF-1, a hormone closely related to insulin. IGF-1 plays a key role in growth, cell development, and tissue repair. The LR3 modification significantly enhances its stability and biological activity, making it widely used in research related to muscle growth, regeneration, and metabolic studies.
What Makes IGF-1 LR3 Different?
IGF-1LR3 is a modified version of native IGF-1 with two key changes:
- A substitution of arginine at position 3 (hence “Arg3”)
- An additional 13 amino acids added to the N-terminus
These alterations make LR3:
- More resistant to binding proteins that would normally inactivate IGF-1
- Approximately 2–3x more potent than regular IGF-1
- Possess a longer half-life (around 20–30 hours vs. 20–30 minutes for native IGF-1)
Mechanism of Action
IGF-1LR3 mimics the effects of insulin and growth hormone by activating the IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) in muscle and other tissues. This triggers downstream pathways (notably the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway) that:
- Stimulate protein synthesis
- Inhibit protein breakdown
- Promote cell survival and growth
Research Applications
While IGF-1LR3 is not FDA-approved for human use, it is used in laboratory studies exploring:
- Muscle hypertrophy and repair
- Neurological regeneration
- Anti-aging and metabolic regulation
- Diabetes and insulin sensitivity models
Important Considerations
- Not for human consumption: IGF-1LR3 is intended for research use only.
- Potent biological effects: Improper use may lead to adverse effects like hypoglycemia, organomegaly, or imbalanced growth signals.