MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Also known as: MGF, Mechano Growth Factor, Mechano-Growth Factor, MGF IGF-1 Ec, MGF IGF-1 EC, MGF C-Terminal, MGF (without PEG)
MGF is a splice variant of IGF-1 produced locally in muscle in response to mechanical loading or damage. It is studied for its role in activating muscle stem cells and supporting tissue repair.
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Mechanism of Action
MGF is the IGF-1Ec splice variant generated by alternative splicing of the IGF-1 gene, characterized by a unique C-terminal E-domain peptide. This E-domain acts independently of the IGF-1 receptor to recruit and proliferate quiescent satellite (muscle stem) cells, delaying their differentiation so the pool available for repair expands. By upregulating myoblast proliferation and modulating local growth signaling, MGF is investigated for hypertrophy and regeneration following mechanical injury. Its action is highly localized and short-lived because the unmodified peptide is rapidly degraded in circulation.
- Half-life
- Very short, roughly 5-10 minutes for the unmodified peptide
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Activates and proliferates satellite (muscle stem) cells in research models
- Studied for accelerated recovery from muscle damage
- May support localized muscle hypertrophy after mechanical loading
- Investigated for tissue and connective-tissue repair
- Explored for neuroprotective effects in preclinical work
- Acts locally rather than systemically in study models
Potential Side Effects
- Injection-site redness, swelling, or irritation
- Possible localized fluid retention
- Theoretical hypoglycemia risk via IGF-1-like signaling
- Unknown long-term safety profile in humans
- Potential immune response to a non-native peptide
Common Dosing
For research use only and not personal medical advice: literature and lab protocols typically reference 200-400 mcg administered locally post-training, with frequency varied by study design. Not approved for human use.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Active or history of malignancy due to growth-promoting signaling
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Concurrent uncontrolled diabetes or hypoglycemia risk
PEG-MGF
PEG-MGF is a pegylated form of Mechano Growth Factor engineered for greater stability and a longer systemic half-life than native MGF. It is studied for muscle stem cell activation and recovery.
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is an engineered, long-acting analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 studied for sustained anabolic and tissue-growth signaling. Its modifications give it a far longer half-life than native IGF-1.
IGF-1 DES
IGF-1 DES is a truncated variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 missing the first three N-terminal amino acids, studied for potent, localized anabolic and tissue-growth effects. It is noted for higher activity at the site of injection.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region that acts as a regulator of metabolism. It is studied for improving insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, and exercise capacity.
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Expression and splicing of the insulin-like growth factor gene in rodent muscle is associated with muscle satellite (stem) cell activation following local tissue damage
2003
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Different roles of the IGF-I Ec peptide (MGF) and mature IGF-I in myoblast proliferation and differentiation
2002
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Expression of IGF-I splice variants in young and old human skeletal muscle after high resistance exercise
2003
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Minireview: Mechano-growth factor: a putative product of IGF-I gene expression involved in tissue repair and regeneration
2010