Introduction

Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) also known as IGF-1Ec is a growth factor/repair factor that is derived from exercised or damaged muscle tissue. MGF has been shown to boost muscle mass by improving the ability of wasted tissue to grow and improve itself by activating muscle stem cells and increasing the upregulation of protein synthesis. MGF is a part of the IGF family, but, in the case of MGF, this part of the peptide acts as a separate growth factor involved in initiating muscle satellite (stem) cell activation in addition to its IGF-Ireceptor domain which increases protein synthesis, and hence improves muscle mass. (Adams GR 2002).

Function

PEGylated protein (PEG-MGF) is the one that has Polyethylene Glycol added to it. The role of the Polyethylene Glycol molecule is to preserve the integrity of the Mechano Growth Factor. Unlike the naturally produced Mechano Growth Factor, the injected MGF needs to enter the circulatory system. That is where the problem for the MGF arises. MGF is not stable in such environment and in order to be able to reach its final destination and fulfill its role it needs to be PEGylated (and turned into PEG-MGF). Polyethylene Glycol serves as a kind of a shell protecting the MGF from reacting to its surroundings before it reaches its final destination. It makes the PEG-MGF much more stable and long-lasting than Machano Growth Factor could be on its own