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IGFBP-3

Meaning

IGFBP-3 is Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3, the most abundant carrier protein in the circulation for Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2. This protein plays a critical role in regulating the bioavailability and half-life of IGF-1, sequestering it in a ternary complex that prevents rapid degradation and controls its access to target tissue receptors. IGFBP-3 levels are an important diagnostic marker of the somatotropic (growth hormone/IGF-1) axis function. This binding protein is essential for IGF-1 regulation.