Research Compound IGF-1 LR3 is a laboratory material for analytical and in vitro work.
What is IGF-1 LR3?
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a recombinant analogue of insulin-like growth factor 1. It consists of 83 amino acids: the full 70-amino-acid IGF-1 sequence in which glutamic acid at position 3 is replaced by arginine (hence “R3”), plus a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension (hence “Long”). The molecular weight is approximately 9.1 kDa.
Research background
The analogue was developed in Australia in the 1990s. Because of its stability and high activity in cell culture, it is widely used as a supplement in cell culture media in research and bioprocessing laboratories, giving it a clear in vitro context.
Mechanism and scientific context
The modifications substantially reduce binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which otherwise limit IGF-1 availability. As a result it is more active than native IGF-1 at the same concentration in cellular systems. It activates the IGF-1 receptor and the downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/MAPK pathways.
Main research areas
- the IGF-1 receptor
- PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling
- cell proliferation in culture
- interaction with IGFBPs
Level of evidence
Predominantly experimental and bioprocessing literature. Clinical data for native IGF-1 are not evidence for IGF-1 LR3.
Research use only: for laboratory, analytical and in vitro research only; not for use in humans or animals. Guidance on batch documentation is available in our COA guide.