What is the Origin of IGF2 Gene?

The gene name is derived from its product, Insulin-like Growth Factor 2, placing its origin within molecular biology and developmental endocrinology. The designation highlights its structural and functional similarity to insulin and its role as a growth factor. The discovery of its imprinted expression pattern solidified its unique position in the study of epigenetics and parental inheritance.

What is the Mechanism of IGF2 Gene?

The IGF2 protein exerts its biological effects primarily by binding to the IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) and, less potently, to the insulin receptor, activating the downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. This activation promotes cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, driving tissue accretion. The imprinted expression, where the paternal allele is expressed and the maternal allele is silenced through DNA methylation, is a critical epigenetic mechanism ensuring precise dosage control during development.

IGF2 Gene

Meaning

The IGF2 Gene encodes for Insulin-like Growth Factor 2, a peptide hormone structurally similar to insulin that is vital for fetal and placental growth and development. While its role in adults is less pronounced than IGF-1, it remains a critical regulator of tissue maintenance and glucose metabolism, particularly in certain tissues. The gene is notably subject to genomic imprinting, meaning only the copy inherited from the father is typically active in most tissues, a unique regulatory feature. Dysregulation of IGF2 expression is clinically implicated in various growth disorders and several types of cancer.