Mechanical signals, IGF-I gene splicing, and muscle adaptation

Key finding

Mechanical loading drives alternative splicing of the IGF-1 gene to mechano-growth factor (MGF/IGF-1Ec), which ‘kick-starts’ local muscle hypertrophy and repair; this splicing capacity is lost with age and disease.

Method / model

Review of IGF-1 splicing and muscle adaptation.

Relevance

Mechanistic basis for IGF-1/MGF muscle-repair claims (IGF-1 LR3, IGF-1 Signaling).

Goldspink, G. (2005). Mechanical signals, IGF-I gene splicing, and muscle adaptation. Physiology, 20(4), 232-238.