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GH Axis · Reference monograph

Experimental truncated variant of IGF-1

Reference compound — not available from Purity Peptides. Shown for research context.

Overview

IGF-1 DES (1-3) is a naturally occurring truncated form of insulin-like growth factor 1 that lacks the first three N-terminal amino acids (glycine, proline and glutamate). It has been identified in bovine colostrum, human brain and other tissues, and it is also produced synthetically or recombinantly for research.

Removing the N-terminal tripeptide sharply reduces the variant's affinity for IGF-binding proteins. In cell-culture systems this translates into greater apparent potency than native IGF-1, because less of the peptide is captured by binding proteins. Its circulating half-life, by contrast, is very short, so its activity is generally discussed in terms of local, tissue-level signalling. The cleaved tripeptide (GPE) has its own neuroactive properties and is studied separately. IGF-1 DES has no clinical development history and is prohibited in sport; it is supplied here for in-vitro research only.

Mechanism studied

  1. IGF-1 DES
  2. Low IGFBP binding
  3. IGF-1 receptor
  4. Local anabolic signalling

IGF-1 DES binds and activates the IGF-1 receptor in the same way as the native hormone, triggering receptor autophosphorylation, IRS recruitment and the PI3K–Akt and MAPK cascades that regulate protein synthesis, proliferation and survival. The key difference lies upstream: without the N-terminal tripeptide, the variant binds IGFBPs weakly, so in culture or tissue a higher proportion is free to reach the receptor. Rapid clearance limits systemic exposure, which is why research focuses on local or in-vitro effects.

Research highlights

  • 01Natural truncated IGF-1 lacking the N-terminal Gly-Pro-Glu tripeptide
  • 02Identified in colostrum and brain tissue
  • 03Weak IGFBP binding increases apparent in-vitro potency versus native IGF-1
  • 04Very short half-life; research emphasises local signalling
  • 05No clinical trials; prohibited in sport under WADA class S2

Latest published research

547,245 papers on PubMed →

  1. Global, regional, and national burden of exposure to chewing tobacco, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

    GBD 2023 Chewing Tobacco Collaborators et al. · The Lancet. Global health · 2027 Jul 20 · PMID 42815512

  2. Clinical Outcomes of Antrectomy for Patients With Multiple Type I Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Case Series

    Morita Y et al. · DEN open · 2027 Apr · PMID 42311610

  3. Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in a Post-Enucleation Gland

    de Carvalho PRS et al. · International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology · 2027 Mar-Apr · PMID 42906124

  4. A new water-soluble NBD-based probe for rapid and off-on visualization of latent fingerprints

    Li C et al. · Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy · 2027 Feb 5 · PMID 42810042

  5. Firefighter turnout gear limits the ability to reach down for an object without flexing the spine

    Carnegie DR et al. · Applied ergonomics · 2027 Feb · PMID 42777486

  6. Interfacial photocatalysis over hierarchical porous donor-π-acceptor tetrathienoanthracene-based conjugated microporous polymers for visible-light-driven aerobic organic oxidation

    Wang H et al. · Journal of colloid and interface science · 2027 Feb · PMID 42767082

  7. Electronic modulation of PtNd alloy on S-doped g-C(3)N(4) via f-d orbital coupling for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

    Gao C et al. · Journal of colloid and interface science · 2027 Feb · PMID 42743881

  8. A synergistic Li/Zr co-doping: An effective lattice modulation strategy for stable O3-type sodium-ion battery cathodes

    Zhu H et al. · Journal of colloid and interface science · 2027 Feb · PMID 42731327

Live feed from PubMed (NCBI) for “IGF-1 DES (1-3)”, updated 2026-10-30. Listing a paper is not an endorsement of its findings.

Registered studies

92,633 on ClinicalTrials.gov →

From the public ClinicalTrials.gov registry for “IGF-1 DES (1-3)”, updated 2026-10-30. Shown for research context only; Purity Peptides products are not for human use.

Key references

  1. [1]PubMed — reviews on IGF-1 DES(1-3)
  2. [2]WADA — Prohibited List of Substances and Methods

FAQ

  • Both have reduced affinity for IGF-binding proteins, but by different routes. IGF-1 DES is shortened by three residues and is cleared rapidly, whereas IGF-1 LR3 carries an Arg3 substitution and an N-terminal extension that prolong its activity. Researchers select between them according to the duration of signalling required.

  • Lyophilized IGF-1 DES is normally kept sealed at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted for laboratory work, aliquots are held at 2–8 °C for short-term use or frozen, avoiding repeated freeze–thaw. Follow the lot-specific guidance on the certificate of analysis.

  • Every lot of IGF-1 DES ships with a certificate of analysis reporting HPLC purity, mass-spectrometry identity against the expected molecular weight, appearance and lot number. Match the COA lot to the vial label and keep it with your experimental records.

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY.Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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