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IGF-1 Pathways

Meaning

IGF-1 Pathways refer to the complex cascade of molecular signaling initiated by Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a polypeptide hormone structurally similar to insulin that plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival across various tissues. In the context of hormonal health, IGF-1 acts as a primary mediator of Growth Hormone (GH) action, predominantly synthesized in the liver but also locally in target tissues like muscle and bone. This signaling network is central to somatic growth during development and, in adulthood, to metabolic regulation, tissue repair, and the overall physiology of aging. Dysregulation of these pathways is implicated in both growth disorders and conditions related to accelerated cellular senescence.