Biology and significance of signalling pathways activated by IGF-II

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) affects many aspects of cellular function through its ability to activate several different receptors and, consequently, numerous intracellular signalling molecules. Thus, IGF-II is a key regulator of normal foetal development and growth. However, abnormalities in IGF-II function are associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here, we review the cellular mechanisms by which IGF-II's physiological and pathophysiological actions are exerted by discussing the involvement of the type 1 and type 2 IGF receptors (IGF1R and IGF2R), the insulin receptor and the downstream MAP kinase, PI-3 kinase and G-protein-coupled signalling pathways in mediating IGF-II stimulated cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration.

Keywords::

• Foetal growth
• placenta
• development
• myogenesis
• vasculogenesis
• cancer

Acknowledgements

LKH is supported by a BBSRC David Phillips Research Fellowship. The Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre is supported by the Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre and the Greater Manchester Comprehensive Local Research Network.

Declarations of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.