Hu Recom IGF-I, 1000 µg

A bioactive polypeptide supplied by STEMCELL Technologies, Human Recombinant IGF-I belongs to the insulin-like growth factor family and shares molecular similarity with proinsulin. The factor binds the IGF-I receptor and acts as a potent activator of the PI3K/AKT pathway while also triggering ERK1/2 signaling. It is required for embryonic development and is produced mainly in the liver in response to a hepatocyte growth hormone. In the absence of insulin, it supports the maintenance of human pluripotent stem cells, as reported by Wang et al.

Prepared from an E. coli expression system, the protein is lyophilized after dialysis against phosphate-buffered saline and supplied at ≥ 95% purity, with cross-reactivity reported for mouse and rat. The predicted molecular mass is 7.7 kDa (UniProt accession P05019). Biological activity is determined by a cell proliferation assay using FDC-P1 cells, yielding a specific activity of ≥ 2 x 10^5 units/mg with an EC50 ≤ 5 ng/mL. Endotoxin levels are ≤ 0.2 EU/µg protein by kinetic Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) analysis. For reconstitution, the product should be dissolved in sterile water to at least 0.1 mg/mL by pipetting the solution down the sides of the vial, without vortexing.

According to the manufacturer's product information, the lyophilized preparation should be stored at -80°C and remains stable as supplied for 12 months from the date of receipt; as a general guide, it should not be stored at -20°C for more than 2 weeks or at -80°C for more than 3 months, with repeated freeze-thaw cycles avoided. The Safety Data Sheet classifies the product as a non-hazardous solid powder under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and recommends keeping containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. The product is a laboratory reagent intended for research use only and is not for human or animal diagnostic or therapeutic uses.