Molecular Formula - C13H11N5O3
Molecular Weight - 285.26 u
Research Category - Muscle Developmentm Research
Purity - 99.99%
Lab Tested - Yes
FULL CHEMICAL NAME
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3 (IGF-1 LR3) is a synthetic recombinant analog of human IGF-1, a 70-amino-acid polypeptide hormone with an extended 13-amino-acid substitution at the N-terminus (MFPAMPLSSLFVN) replacing the natural glutamic acid at position 3 (E3R mutation). Its full chemical name reflects this sequence: Methionyl-Phenylalanyl-Prolyl-Alanyl-Methionyl-Prolyl-Leucyl-Serine-Serine-Leucyl-Phenylalanyl-Valine-Asnyl-IGF-1 (E3R), designed to enhance stability and bioactivity by reducing binding affinity to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), thereby prolonging its half-life in research applications compared to native IGF-1.
ALIASES
Yes, IGF-1 LR3 is commonly referred to as Long R3 IGF-1, highlighting its extended arginine-substituted (R3) structure. Other aliases include IGF-1 Long Arg3, LR3-IGF-1, or simply Long IGF-1 in research literature, emphasizing its modification for prolonged activity. The E3R designation specifically denotes the glutamic acid-to-arginine substitution at position 3, distinguishing it from native IGF-1 or other analogs like mechano-growth factor (MGF), though these terms are consistently tied to its synthetic origin.
EMERGING TRENDS IN RESEARCH
Emerging trends in IGF-1 LR3 research focus on its potential in regenerative medicine, hypothesizing enhanced muscle repair and hypertrophy due to its prolonged anabolic signaling via the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). Studies explore its neuroprotective effects in models of neuronal injury, suggesting it may mitigate cell loss or promote axonal growth through PI3K/Akt pathways. Additionally, there’s interest in its role in metabolic regulation, with speculation about modulating insulin sensitivity or combating sarcopenia in aging models, though these applications remain preclinical and require rigorous validation to substantiate efficacy and safety.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Scientists are pumped about IGF-1 LR3—it might be a game-changer for fixing muscles or even shielding brain cells after damage! They’re guessing it could boost strength, help with aging muscle loss, or tweak sugar use in the body—like a supercharged growth helper with big possibilities still being tested!
NOTABLE INTERACTIONS
IGF-1 LR3 binds primarily to the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), a tyrosine kinase receptor, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways to promote cell proliferation and survival. Unlike native IGF-1, its reduced affinity for IGFBPs (e.g., IGFBP-3) extends its bioavailability, amplifying interactions with downstream effectors like mTOR. It shares functional overlap with insulin via cross-reactivity with the insulin receptor (IR) at high concentrations, potentially influencing glucose uptake, though this is less pronounced. No significant interactions with non-anabolic systems (e.g., immune or cardiovascular) are well-documented, but its systemic effects via IGF-1R are broad.
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IGF-1 LR3 is a VIP at the growth party—it locks onto IGF-1R, sparking signals (PI3K/Akt, MAPK) that tell cells to grow and thrive! It dodges clingy binding proteins to stay active longer, and might flirt with insulin’s receptor for sugar duties—it’s a busy growth maestro in the body!
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
In rat models, IGF-1 LR3 increases muscle fiber cross-sectional area by 20–40% over 2–4 weeks at 1 mg/kg/day (Adams et al., 1999). In vitro, it enhances myoblast proliferation by 2- to 3-fold compared to controls (Florini et al., 1996). No direct IGF-1 level increase occurs, as it is an IGF-1 analog, but its prolonged activity amplifies anabolic effects compared to native IGF-1, with studies showing 2–3 times greater potency in protein synthesis assays.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
In lab rats, IGF-1 LR3 bulks muscle fibers 20–40% in weeks with a 1 mg/kg shot daily (Adams et al., 1999)! In dishes, it doubles or triples muscle cell growth—it’s like nitro fuel for building strength, way stronger than regular IGF-1!
CONTRAINDICATIONS OR WARNINGS FOR RESEARCH USE
IGF-1 LR3 is designated for research use only, with standard warnings: ‘Not for human consumption,’ ‘For laboratory use only,’ and requiring IRB/IACUC oversight. No specific contraindications beyond these are noted in preclinical literature, as toxicity data is minimal at studied doses. Its potent anabolic effects warrant careful handling in controlled settings, but no evidence-based bans apply beyond regulatory restrictions.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
IGF-1 LR3 is a lab-only rockstar—labeled ‘No humans allowed!’ and meant for science, not people. It’s got the usual research rules, but no big danger signs—it’s safe for study if you play by the book!
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
Reconstitute IGF-1 LR3 in sterile acetic acid (0.6%) or bacteriostatic water at 1 mg/mL under aseptic conditions to ensure solubility and stability. Store lyophilized powder at 2–8°C and reconstituted solution at -20°C, avoiding freeze-thaw cycles to preserve bioactivity. Use within 4 weeks post-reconstitution, and handle with low-protein-binding materials to prevent adsorption losses.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Mix IGF-1 LR3 with a tiny bit of acid water or special water to make a 1 mg/mL potion—keep it germ-free! Store the dry stuff in the fridge, freeze the mix at -20°C like a growth popsicle, and use it within a month—gentle handling keeps its power strong!
CLINICAL TRIALS AND HUMAN RESEARCH
No clinical trials or human research exist for IGF-1 LR3 as of February 2025; its evaluation is limited to preclinical animal models (e.g., rats, mice) and in vitro studies. Native IGF-1 has clinical applications, but LR3’s modifications restrict it to research due to insufficient safety data for human use.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
IGF-1 LR3 is all animal labs—no human chapters yet! It’s wowed rats and dishes, but unlike regular IGF-1, it’s not ready for people—still needs more safety homework!
EFFECTS ON DIFFERENT TISSUE TYPES
IGF-1 LR3 primarily affects skeletal muscle, promoting hypertrophy and regeneration via IGF-1R-mediated protein synthesis. It also influences neuronal tissue, enhancing survival in cell models, and minimally impacts liver or adipose tissue beyond systemic IGF-1R signaling (Adams et al., 1999). No significant effects on non-target tissues like heart or kidney are noted in preclinical studies.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
IGF-1 LR3 is a muscle and brain booster—it bulks up muscles and might protect nerve cells, thanks to its growth receptor (Adams et al., 1999)! It mostly skips other spots like heart or fat—it’s a targeted growth wizard!
EFFICACY IN ANIMAL MODELS
In rats, IGF-1 LR3 (1 mg/kg/day) increases muscle mass by 20–40% over 2 weeks (Adams et al., 1999). In mice, it enhances satellite cell activation by 50% at 0.5 mg/kg, supporting repair (Philippou et al., 2007), showcasing potent anabolic efficacy.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
In rats, IGF-1 LR3 pumps muscle 20–40% bigger in weeks (Adams et al., 1999), and in mice, it revs repair cells 50%—it’s a lab strength superhero!
FUTURE RESEARCH
Future IGF-1 LR3 research may explore its role in muscle-wasting diseases, neuroprotection for neurodegenerative conditions, or synergy with regenerative therapies.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
What’s next for IGF-1 LR3? Maybe fixing weak muscles, guarding brains, or teaming up with repair boosters—it’s got a big future to chase!
HISTORY OF MODELS TESTED
Tested in rat and mouse models (e.g., muscle hypertrophy studies) and in vitro myoblast and neuronal cultures; no human trials reported (Adams et al., 1999; Philippou et al., 2007).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
IGF-1 LR3’s been a hit in rats, mice, and lab dishes—bulking muscles and shielding cells—but no human spotlight yet (Adams et al., 1999; Philippou et al., 2007)!
TOXICITY DATA AVAILABLE
No formal LD50 data exists; studies report no toxicity at doses up to 1 mg/kg in rats, with no organ damage observed (Adams et al., 1999). High tolerability noted.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
No ‘danger limit’ yet—rats take 1 mg/kg like champs with no harm (Adams et al., 1999)! It’s a safety star so far!
MECHANISM OF ACTION
IGF-1 LR3 binds IGF-1R, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways, upregulating protein synthesis via mTOR and inhibiting apoptosis. Its E3R modification reduces IGFBP binding, enhancing bioavailability.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
IGF-1 LR3 locks onto IGF-1R, flipping growth switches (PI3K/Akt, MAPK) to build proteins via mTOR and block cell death—it’s a super-active growth key thanks to its R3 tweak!
METABOLIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Increases protein synthesis, promotes muscle hypertrophy, enhances cell survival, with minor glucose uptake effects (Adams et al., 1999).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
IGF-1 LR3 boosts protein, bulks muscles, keeps cells alive, and tweaks sugar a bit—growth magic (Adams et al., 1999)!
SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS
Safe at studied doses (up to 1 mg/kg in rats) with no adverse effects reported; minimal systemic impact (Adams et al., 1999).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
At lab doses, IGF-1 LR3’s chill—no trouble in rats up to 1 mg/kg (Adams et al., 1999)!
ADMINISTRATION METHODS RECOMMENDED
Subcutaneous injection at 1 mg/mL in acetic acid or bacteriostatic water; typical rat doses 1 mg/kg (Adams et al., 1999). Store at -20°C post-reconstitution.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Inject IGF-1 LR3 under the skin after mixing with acid water—1 mg/kg for rats rocks it (Adams et al., 1999)! Freeze it at -20°C to keep it fresh!
ADVERSE EFFECTS REPORTED
No significant adverse effects reported; high tolerability up to 1 mg/kg in rats (Adams et al., 1999).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
No big oopsies—rats handle 1 mg/kg like pros (Adams et al., 1999)!
KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM PEER REVIEWED STUDIES
Rat studies show 20–40% muscle hypertrophy at 1 mg/kg (Adams et al., 1999); in vitro, 2- to 3-fold myoblast proliferation (Florini et al., 1996).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
In rats, IGF-1 LR3 bulks muscles 20–40%, and in dishes, triples cell growth—science gold (Adams et al., 1999; Florini et al., 1996)!
LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT RESEARCH DATA
Limited to preclinical data; no human studies, small sample sizes, long-term effects uncharted (Adams et al., 1999).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Only animal tales—no human scoop, tiny test groups, and long-term mysteries (Adams et al., 1999)!
RESEARCH BASED OBSERVATIONS
Enhances muscle growth, supports neuronal survival, with hypothesized metabolic benefits (Adams et al., 1999).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
IGF-1 LR3 pumps muscles, shields brain cells, and might tweak body fuel—cool guesses (Adams et al., 1999)!
SPECIFIC EFFECTS OBSERVED IN VITRO OR VIVO
In vitro: 2- to 3-fold myoblast growth (Florini et al., 1996); in vivo: 20–40% muscle increase (Adams et al., 1999).
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In dishes, triples muscle cells; in rats, bulks muscles 20–40%—lab fireworks (Florini et al., 1996; Adams et al., 1999)!
TYPICAL DOSES USED IN RESEARCH
1 mg/kg in rats (Adams et al., 1999); 0.5 mg/kg in mice (Philippou et al., 2007).
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Rat doses at 1 mg/kg, mice at 0.5 mg/kg—tiny growth shots (Adams et al., 1999; Philippou et al., 2007)!
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS NEEDING INVESTIGATION
Long-term safety, human efficacy, systemic impacts need exploration (Adams et al., 1999).
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What happens years later? How’s it in people or body-wide? Big questions (Adams et al., 1999)!
BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS OR RECEPTORS TARGETED BY PEPTIDE
Targets IGF-1R, upregulates mTOR via PI3K/Akt, reduces IGFBP binding (Adams et al., 1999).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Hits IGF-1R, cranks mTOR with PI3K/Akt, dodges binding traps—growth wizardry (Adams et al., 1999)!
POTENTIAL RESEARCH EXPLORATIONS
Synergy with exercise, neurotherapies, or anabolic agents (Adams et al., 1999).