MGF — questions, answered plainly.

MGF (mechano-growth factor) is the E-domain peptide of the IGF-1Ec splice variant of the IGF-1 gene. The full-length IGF-1Ec transcript is upregulated in muscle in response to mechanical stress; synthetic MGF E-peptides have been studied in rodent and in vitro models.

No. MGF is the E-domain peptide of the IGF-1Ec splice variant, not mature IGF-1. Matheny 2010 (Endocrinology, PMID 20130113) reviews the splicing relationship and the distinct E-peptide product.

No. MGF is not FDA-approved. There are no controlled human trials of synthetic MGF indexed on PubMed.

Liu 2023 (Regenerative Therapy, PMID 37171185) reviews preclinical evidence for MGF E-peptide activity in cartilage and bone repair models. Podratz 2020 (Experimental Neurology, PMID 32511954) reports preservation of DRG neurite outgrowth in cisplatin-exposed rat dorsal-root-ganglion cultures. Matheny 2010 (Endocrinology, PMID 20130113) is a mini-review of the IGF-1Ec splice variant.

PEG-MGF is a pegylated form of the synthetic MGF E-peptide used in research to extend half-life relative to the unmodified peptide. It is not an FDA-approved product.

Receptor identity and downstream signalling for the isolated E-peptide are not fully characterised. WADA prohibits MGF under the S2 Peptide Hormones and Growth Factors category, which is relevant for athlete cohorts. No controlled human trials are indexed on PubMed at time of writing.