📚 Wiki Growth Hormone MGF

MGF

● Preclinical
Mechano Growth Factor (Non-PEGylated)
Also known as: IGF-1Ec, Mechano Growth Factor, local IGF-1 splice variant
Page last reviewed

Quick Summary

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is a splice variant of IGF-1 produced locally in mechanically stressed muscle tissue (IGF-1Ec isoform). It is generated when the IGF-1 gene is alternatively spliced in response to muscle damage or exercise-induced mechanical loading.

Growth Hormone & IGF Research Use WADA Prohibited
Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is a splice variant of IGF-1 produced locally in mechanically stressed muscle tissue (IGF-1Ec isoform). It is generated when the IGF-1 gene is alternatively spliced in response to muscle damage or exercise-induced mechanical loading. MGF activates satellite cells (muscle stem cells), initiating muscle repair and new fiber formation. Its non-PEGylated form has an extremely short half-life (~5–7 minutes in serum), making it primarily a localized signaling molecule. PEG-MGF (pegylated form) has a longer half-life and systemic action.
Storage Stability
Lyophilized
1–2 years (-20°C)
Reconstituted
~30 days (2–8°C)
Room temp
Avoid

Mechanism of Action

Satellite Cell Activation

MGF's unique E-domain peptide directly activates muscle satellite cells (Pax7+ stem cells), causing them to proliferate and differentiate into new myofibers. This is distinct from IGF-1's systemic anabolic effects.

Nuclear Translocation

MGF promotes nuclear translocation of MGF receptor complexes, activating gene programs for muscle fiber hypertrophy and regeneration.

Complementary to IGF-1 LR3

MGF and IGF-1 LR3 act sequentially in the natural repair process: MGF first activates satellite cells (proliferation phase), then IGF-1 drives their differentiation and protein synthesis (anabolism phase). Combining both in research protocols aims to replicate this sequence.

Research Summary

Satellite Cell Studies

In vitro, MGF E-domain peptide increases satellite cell proliferation 2–3x versus controls. In muscle injury models, local MGF expression precedes satellite cell activation within hours.

Animal Muscle Repair

Intramuscular MGF injection post-injury significantly accelerates muscle fiber regeneration and increases cross-sectional area at 14 and 28 days post-injury compared to controls.

Age-Related Decline

MGF production in response to exercise decreases with age, which may partly explain reduced muscle repair capacity in older individuals.

Calculate your MGF dose Vial strength, BAC water, exact syringe draw in IU. Free, no signup. Open Calc →

Research Protocols

Timing (Critical)

Inject within 30–60 minutes post-workout while satellite cells are in the activated state from mechanical damage. The short half-life means injection timing is more important than with longer-acting IGF variants.

Route

Intramuscular into the trained muscle for localized effect. Some protocols use SubQ.

Dose

100–200 µg post-workout. Can be combined sequentially with IGF-1 LR3 (separate injection 4–8 hours later for differentiation phase).

Storage & Handling

Store lyophilized" class="wiki-gloss-link">lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Use immediately or store at 2–8°C for no more than 2 weeks. Non-PEGylated MGF degrades rapidly at physiological temperature, minimize time at room temperature.


References

  • [1]Yang SY, Goldspink G. "Different roles of IGF-1 Ec (MGF) and mature IGF-1 in myoblast proliferation and differentiation." FEBS Lett, 2002.
  • [2]Goldspink G. "Mechanical signals, IGF-I gene splicing, and muscle adaptation." Physiology (Bethesda), 2005.
Ready to dose MGF?
Get the exact syringe draw
You have read the research. Now run the math. Pick your vial size and BAC water volume, get IU draw in seconds.
Open the Calculator →
Verified Scientific Data Last audited:
Data Sources & External References
Source: peer-reviewed literature  ·  Domain: ascendpeptide.org
MGF
Peptide calculator, vial + dose → draw volume
Dose MGF →

Suggest a Change

MGF · wiki page