MGF
Also known as: Mechano growth factor, IGF-1Ec
MGF (also called Mechano growth factor or IGF-1Ec) is a research peptide in the IGF-1 receptor agonist class. Mechano growth factor is a splice variant of the IGF-1 gene, produced when mechanical loading or muscle damage shifts splicing to include exon 5.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- —
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- —
- Half-life
- —
- FDA status
- Not Approved
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous
- Frequency
- Research-dependent
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
- Targets
- IGF-1 receptorSatellite cells (proposed)
Research summary
Mechano growth factor is the IGF-1Ec splice variant induced by muscle loading. Research MGF peptides are not an FDA drug. WADA S2.
Peptide Library's MGF profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- Not established as a drug
- Frequency
- Research-dependent
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
- Injection Sites
- AbdomenThigh
- Timing Notes
- Educational catalog only — not medical advice
Not yet checked against primary sources
These figures are compiled from earlier reference material. They have not been verified against FDA labelling, registered trials or published literature, no citation is attached to them, and none of them is a recommended dose. MGF is queued for dosage evidence review.
Compare reported doses across the whole librarySequence & molecular data
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
|---|---|
| Formulation | Lyophilized Powder |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Mechano growth factor is a splice variant of the IGF-1 gene, produced when mechanical loading or muscle damage shifts splicing to include exon 5. The resulting transcript encodes the same mature IGF-1 sequence attached to a distinct C-terminal E-peptide, designated Ec in humans, which is unique to this variant. Research interest centres on that E-peptide: in cell and animal models it appears to act independently of the IGF-1 receptor to promote satellite-cell activation and proliferation, the first step in muscle repair after mechanical stress. The distinction matters, because the proposed activity is attributed to a domain that native IGF-1 does not have. Human data is minimal.
Origin
Synthetic IGF-1Ec-related peptide.
Targets
Studies
- The role of mechano growth factor in chondrocytes and cartilage defects: a concise review
- The role of the IGF-1 Ec in myoskeletal system and osteosarcoma pathophysiology
- Biological activity of the e domain of the IGF-1Ec as addressed by synthetic peptides
- Minireview: Mechano-growth factor: a putative product of IGF-I gene expression involved in tissue repair and regeneration
- Mechano-growth factor regulates periodontal ligament stem cell proliferation and differentiation through Fyn-RhoA-YAP signaling
Regulatory & research status
MGF is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use.
| FDA status | Not Approved |
|---|---|
| Availability | Research-Only |
| WADA (sport) | Banned in Sport |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
Potential Side Effects
Side Effects
- Unknown human AE profile
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
MGF: frequently asked questions
What is MGF?
Mechano growth factor is the IGF-1Ec splice variant induced by muscle loading. Research MGF peptides are not an FDA drug. WADA S2.
How does MGF work?
Mechano growth factor is a splice variant of the IGF-1 gene, produced when mechanical loading or muscle damage shifts splicing to include exon 5. The resulting transcript encodes the same mature IGF-1 sequence attached to a distinct C-terminal E-peptide, designated Ec in humans, which is unique to this variant.
Is MGF FDA approved?
No. MGF is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is categorised as research-only. It has not been reviewed for safety or efficacy as a medicine, and published research should be read as investigation rather than established use.
Is MGF banned in sport?
MGF is recorded here as prohibited in sport. Athletes subject to anti-doping rules should check the current WADA Prohibited List directly, since it is revised annually and classifications change.
What peptides are similar to MGF?
Compounds most often compared with MGF include IGF-1 (overview), Mecasermin, IGF-1 LR3 and IGF-1 DES. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- WADA Prohibited List 2026External reference
- The role of mechano growth factor in chondrocytes and cartilage defects: a concise review — Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai), 2023External reference
- The role of the IGF-1 Ec in myoskeletal system and osteosarcoma pathophysiology — Crit Rev Oncol Hematol, 2016External reference
- Biological activity of the e domain of the IGF-1Ec as addressed by synthetic peptides — Hormones (Athens), 2014External reference
- Minireview: Mechano-growth factor: a putative product of IGF-I gene expression involved in tissue repair and regeneration — Endocrinology, 2010External reference
- Mechano-growth factor regulates periodontal ligament stem cell proliferation and differentiation through Fyn-RhoA-YAP signaling — Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2024External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
Related peptides
Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This MGF profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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