Insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), also known as somatomedin C, is a crucial peptide hormone. It plays a central role in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, acting through the IGF1-PI3K pathway [3]. Igf1 is essential for normal growth and development, influencing various biological processes from muscle hypertrophy to embryonic development [4,5]. Genetic models, such as KO/CKO mouse models, are valuable tools for studying its functions.

Igf1 is associated with multiple disease conditions. In cancer, while it may not be an oncogenic factor, the GH-Igf1 axis can 'push' transformed cells through the cell cycle, and oncogenes may adopt the Igf1 pathway [2]. In liver fibrosis, Igf1/Igf1R and its signaling system are involved, potentially through mechanisms like DNA damage repair [1]. In heart failure, the Igf1-PI3K pathway mediates exercise-induced heart growth and protection, suggesting modulation of this pathway could be a therapeutic approach [3]. Additionally, Igf1 polymorphisms may be associated with ocular disorders like exotropia [6].

In summary, Igf1 is vital for normal growth and development, with its functions extending to various disease-related processes. Studies using KO/CKO mouse models could further clarify its role in cancer, liver fibrosis, heart failure, and ocular disorders, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.

References:

1. Gui, Ruirui, Li, Wanqiao, Li, Zhipeng, Hao, Linlin, Cheng, Yunyun. 2023. Effects and potential mechanisms of IGF1/IGF1R in the liver fibrosis: A review. In International journal of biological macromolecules, 251, 126263. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126263. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37567540/

2. Werner, Haim, Laron, Zvi. 2020. Role of the GH-IGF1 system in progression of cancer. In Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 518, 111003. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2020.111003. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32919021/

3. Bass-Stringer, Sebastian, Tai, Celeste M K, McMullen, Julie R. 2020. IGF1-PI3K-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy: Implications for new heart failure therapies, biomarkers, and predicting cardiotoxicity. In Journal of sport and health science, 10, 637-647. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2020.11.009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33246162/

4. Fink, Julius, Schoenfeld, Brad Jon, Nakazato, Koichi. 2017. The role of hormones in muscle hypertrophy. In The Physician and sportsmedicine, 46, 129-134. doi:10.1080/00913847.2018.1406778. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29172848/

5. Kordowitzki, Paweł, Krajnik, Kornelia, Skowronska, Agnieszka, Skowronski, Mariusz T. 2022. Pleiotropic Effects of IGF1 on the Oocyte. In Cells, 11, . doi:10.3390/cells11101610. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35626647/

6. Zehra, Zainab, Khan, Netasha, Nadeem, Minhal, Azam, Maleeha, Qamar, Raheel. 2022. Association of IGF1 polymorphisms with exotropia in a Pakistani cohort. In Molecular vision, 28, 369-377. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36338665/