Overview
Overview
Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is a splice variant of IGF‑1 (IGF‑1Ec in humans) produced in response to mechanical stress and tissue damage[1][2]. Research indicates MGF plays a role in muscle repair, satellite cell activation, and bone regeneration[3][4]. This educational protocol presents a once‑daily subcutaneous approach using a practical dilution for clear insulin‑syringe measurements. Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~1.67 mg/mL concentration. Typical daily range: 100–300 mcg
- Category
- Healing
- Routes
- subcutaneous
Mechanism
MGF
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action
MGF is generated through alternative splicing of the IGF‑1 gene in response to mechanical loading or tissue injury [1] [2] . The resulting peptide contains a unique C‑terminal E domain that distinguishes it from systemic IGF‑1. Preclinical research demonstrates MGF activates satellite cells (muscle stem cells), promotes osteoblast proliferation, and supports neurogenesis [3] [4] [8] . These effects appear to be localized and transient, suggesting MGF acts primarily as a tissue‑specific repair signal rather than a systemic growth factor.
Key research findings
- 01
Identity: MGF (mechano growth factor) is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), known as IGF-1Ec in humans, produced locally in muscle in response to mechanical loading or damage.
- 02
Identity / in vitro: the distinctive C-terminal E-domain peptide is the part most commonly studied as a synthetic research peptide.
- 03
In vitro: studies report activation and proliferation of muscle satellite (stem) cells and myoblasts.
- 04
Animal model: studies report a role in early muscle-repair responses following mechanical overload or injury.
- 05
In vitro: the E-domain peptide is reported to act through mechanisms partly distinct from the classical IGF-1 receptor pathway.
Primary source: MGF research is preclinical, centered on in vitro muscle-cell studies and animal models examining muscle repair and satellite-cell activation. There is no established human clinical trial base for administered synthetic MGF, so findings are early-stage.
Researched Effects
Researched benefits
Areas of active research and investigation. Results may vary and are based on preclinical or early clinical data.
Promotes satellite cell activation and myoblast proliferation in muscle tissue[1][9].
Supports bone defect healing and osteoblast activity in animal models[3].
May promote neurogenesis and neuroprotection in aging brain tissue[8].
Protocol Reference
Protocol reference
Commonly cited research range: 100–300 mcg, daily.
Reference figures reported in the research literature — not a dosing recommendation. For interactive vial math and scheduling, see the Calculator and Schedule tabs.
Cited protocol & reconstitution guide
Source-backed reference fields by phase, including any volume fields authored in the cited guide.
Week 1
100 mcg (0.1 mg)
Week 2
150 mcg (0.15 mg)
Week 3
200 mcg (0.2 mg)
Week 4
250 mcg (0.25 mg)
Weeks 5–8
300 mcg (0.3 mg)
| Phase | Reference amount | Units / volume |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 100 mcg (0.1 mg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Week 2 | 150 mcg (0.15 mg) | 9 units (0.09 mL) |
| Week 3 | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Week 4 | 250 mcg (0.25 mg) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 300 mcg (0.3 mg) | 18 units (0.18 mL) |
Storage & Handling
Storage requirements(typical for most peptides)
Can be stored for extended periods. Protect from moisture.
Store in refrigerator door. Never freeze after reconstitution.
Label vials with reconstitution date. Discard if cloudy.
Reconstitution steps
- 01🌡️Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- 02🧴Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- 03💉Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- 04💧Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light; use within approximately 30 days[5].
- 05🔄Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Additional storage notes
Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or colder for long‑term; refrigerate at 4 °C (39.2 °F) for short‑term.
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within approximately 30 days; avoid freeze–thaw cycles .
Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence
Preclinical research describes roles in muscle repair and myoblast proliferation after mechanical load or injury.
MGF research is preclinical, centered on in vitro muscle-cell studies and animal models examining muscle repair and satellite-cell activation. There is no established human clinical trial base for administered synthetic MGF, so findings are early-stage.
- 01Identity: MGF (mechano growth factor) is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), known as IGF-1Ec in humans, produced locally in muscle in response to mechanical loading or damage.
- 02Identity / in vitro: the distinctive C-terminal E-domain peptide is the part most commonly studied as a synthetic research peptide.
- 03In vitro: studies report activation and proliferation of muscle satellite (stem) cells and myoblasts.
- 04Animal model: studies report a role in early muscle-repair responses following mechanical overload or injury.
- 05In vitro: the E-domain peptide is reported to act through mechanisms partly distinct from the classical IGF-1 receptor pathway.
Evidence maturity varies by compound; much peptide research is preclinical (in vitro or animal-model). Where human data are limited, findings should be read as research observations, not clinical conclusions.
References
Literature references
Published research articles and sources related to MGF.
- 01PLOS ONE (2013) — Insulin‑like growth factor I (IGF‑1) Ec/Mechano Growth Factor: splice variant characterization within the growth plate View Sourceet al. (2013)
- 02Journal of Molecular Endocrinology (2003) — Expression of IGF‑I splice variants and structural genes in repair of rabbit tendon View Sourceet al. (2003)
- 03International Orthopaedics (2011) — Mechano growth factor E peptide promotes osteoblast proliferation and bone‑defect healing in rabbits View Sourceet al. (2011)
- 04Journal of Physiology (2003) — Mechano growth factor and other IGF‑I splice variants: expression and possible functions View Sourceet al. (2003)
- 05Sigma‑Aldrich — Storage and handling of synthetic peptides (stability and reconstitution guidelines) View Source
- 06R&D Systems — Recombinant human LR3 IGF‑I protein datasheet (storage and stability recommendations) View Source
- 07CDC (Subcut Injection PDF) — Vaccine administration: subcutaneous injection technique and site guidance View Source
- 08Molecular Brain (2017) — Mechano growth factor promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain View Sourceet al. (2017)
- 09Experimental Cell Research (2008) — MGF E‑peptide activates human muscle satellite cells View Sourceet al. (2008)
- 10Subcutaneous Drug Injection Review (PMC) — Pharmacologic considerations of the subcutaneous route View Source
- 11Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center — How to give a subcutaneous injection (site rotation and technique) View Source
- 12Pure Lab Peptides — MGF (5 mg) product page (quality and batch documentation) View Source
Observed Effects
Observed effects in cited research
Reported
- Generally well tolerated in preclinical settings; occasional mild injection‑site reactions may occur with subcutaneous administration.
- Long‑term safety data in humans is limited; preclinical models suggest localized rather than systemic effects.
Research Considerations
Research considerations
Research Use Only - not for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Current evidence is limited to in vitro and/or animal-model research; human data are minimal or absent. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for any clinical decisions.
Factors noted in the research literature; not patient-specific medical advice.
Regulatory Status
Regulatory status
RUO
Comparisons
Comparisons
| Compound | Mechanism | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGFthis | A splice variant of IGF-1 (IGF-1Ec) produced in response to mechanical stress; its unique C-terminal E-peptide is studied for activation of muscle satellite cells and tissue repair. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| PEG MGF | A pegylated form of mechano growth factor designed for extended stability and systemic half-life; the C-terminal E-peptide is studied for satellite-cell activation and muscle repair. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| PNC-27 | A synthetic peptide combining an HDM-2-binding domain with a membrane-penetrating sequence, studied for selective membrane disruption of cancer cells displaying surface HDM-2. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| TB-500 | Upregulates actin, promotes cell migration, reduces inflammation, and stimulates wound healing and tissue repair. | subcutaneous, intramuscular | Investigational / RUO |
| BPC-157 | Promotes angiogenesis, accelerates wound healing, and protects organs. Interacts with growth hormone receptors and NO system. | subcutaneous, intramuscular | Investigational / RUO |
| MOTS-C | A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA region of mtDNA that activates AMPK and influences nuclear stress-response gene expression, studied for metabolic homeostasis. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| NAD+ | An essential coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism (redox reactions) and mitochondrial function, and a substrate for sirtuins and PARPs in DNA-repair and signaling pathways. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
Attributes shown for research comparison only; not a statement of efficacy or therapeutic equivalence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Mechano growth factor is a splice variant of IGF-1 (called IGF-1Ec in humans) that muscle produces in response to mechanical stress. Its unique E-domain peptide is what is usually studied as a synthetic research material.
Preclinical studies report activation and proliferation of muscle satellite cells and myoblasts in vitro and involvement in early muscle-repair processes in animal models.
It is a splice variant of IGF-1 with a different C-terminal E-domain. Research suggests the E-domain peptide can act through mechanisms partly distinct from the classical IGF-1 receptor pathway.
There is no established human clinical trial base for administered synthetic MGF; the evidence is preclinical (in vitro and animal models).
MGF is not an FDA-approved drug and is not a dietary supplement; it is handled as a research-use-only material. As an IGF-1-related growth factor it is prohibited in sport by WADA.
Lyophilized peptide is generally stored frozen and protected from light; reconstituted solution is typically refrigerated and used within a limited window. Follow the supplier's certificate of analysis and protocol reference.
Research-reported amounts vary and are not standardized or validated for humans. This platform does not provide dosing instructions; refer to the protocol reference. This is not medical advice.
Research-use notice
Research Use Only. This educational content and calculation support is intended for private research documentation. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.