IGF-DES (Des 1-3 IGF-1)

Product Overview

Des(1-3)IGF-1 is a 67-amino acid endogenous protein that exists naturally in the body. Its truncated structure — lacking the Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptide at the N-terminus — dramatically reduces binding to IGFBPs while maintaining full affinity for the IGF-1 receptor. This results in approximately 10-fold greater potency than native IGF-1 both in vitro and in vivo. Produced recombinantly in E. coli with a molecular mass of 7,368.5 Daltons.

Mechanism of Action

IGF-DES binds to IGF-1 receptors on target cells, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling cascades. This enhances amino acid uptake, protein synthesis, glucose uptake, and satellite cell activation. Its shorter half-life compared to IGF-1 LR3 allows rapid, efficient action at the site of administration.

Key Benefits

10x Potency Over Native IGF-1 — Enhanced receptor affinity due to reduced IGFBP binding delivers significantly more potent anabolic signaling for muscle growth and repair.

Localized Muscle Growth — Acts primarily at the injection site, enabling targeted enhancement of specific muscle groups. Useful for improving symmetry and addressing localized deficits.

Rapid Recovery — Promotes muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating recovery times after intense training or injury. Shorter half-life allows quick, efficient action.

Enhanced Protein Synthesis — Stimulates protein synthesis essential for muscle growth and repair, leading to increased muscle density and quality.

References

1. Gillespie C, et al. Enhanced potency of truncated insulin-like growth factor-I (des(1-3)IGF-I) relative to IGF-I in lit/lit mice. *J Endocrinol.* 1990;127(3):401–405.
2. Musaro A. IGF-1 and skeletal muscle hypertrophy. *Biochem Soc Trans.* 2013;41(6):1451–1456.
3. Le Roith D. IGFs. *N Engl J Med.* 2003;336(9):633–640.