IGF-2
Also known as: insulin-like growth factor 2, somatomedin A, IGF2
Insulin-like growth factor 2, or IGF-2, is a 67 amino acid growth factor and the main fetal growth signal in mammals. It is studied in fetal and placental development, muscle formation, and glucose handling in adult tissues.
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Overview
Protein hormone
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a hormone that in humans is encoded by the IGF2 gene. This hormone functions as one of the primary growth hormones during fetal development, which differs from the related hormone IGF-1 which is the major growth factor in adults. As its name suggests, it shares structural similarity to insulin.
Mechanism of Action
IGF-2 acts as a ligand for integrin, a step required for its signaling, and it supports the muscle transcription factor MYOD1 by helping recruit transcriptional coactivators that drive muscle cell maturation. Its companion peptide preptin is released together with insulin from pancreatic cells and amplifies insulin release when glucose rises. IGF-2 also raises bone forming cell activity through MAPK1 and MAPK3 phosphorylation.
Research History
IGF-2 was cataloged among the insulin-like growth factors for its growth promoting activity and its structural kinship with insulin. Its profile is dominated by development, since it helps regulate fetoplacental growth under the influence of placental lactogen, and a fragment product called preptin was later linked to insulin release.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
IGF-2 (also known as insulin-like growth factor 2, somatomedin A) is studied within the growth hormone axis and body composition research community. Growth factor important in fetal development and cellular metabolism; studied in muscle differentiation and cancer biology.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: active. IGF-2 appears across growth hormone axis and body composition research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the growth hormone category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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