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IGF1 Gene

Meaning

The IGF1 Gene, or Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 gene, is the specific genetic blueprint responsible for encoding the production of the IGF-1 protein, a crucial endocrine mediator of growth hormone (GH) action and a potent anabolic peptide. Located on human chromosome 12, this gene is highly expressed in the liver, which serves as the primary source of circulating IGF-1, but it is also produced locally in many peripheral tissues where it acts in a paracrine fashion. Variations in this gene can significantly influence an individual’s final adult height, metabolic health, and overall longevity, as the protein it produces is a key regulator of cellular proliferation and survival. The integrity of the IGF1 gene is essential for normal growth and maintaining metabolic homeostasis throughout the lifespan.