[Function, molecular structure and gene expression of insulin-like growth factors ]

In this short review, gene structure, transcriptional pattern, biological activity, specific receptors and binding proteins for insulin-like growth factors (IGF: IGF I and IGF II) are explained. In spite of their close similarity in both gene and peptide structures, their receptors are completely distinct from each other in molecular structure and in signal transduction. Expression of IGF function in vivo is strongly restricted by plasma binding proteins.