IGF-1 DES
Growth Hormone AxisAlso known as: Des(1-3)IGF-1, DES IGF-1, IGF-1 DES(1-3), Truncated IGF-1
Mechanism
IGF-1 DES is a truncated form of IGF-1 missing the first three amino acids (des(1-3)IGF-1). This truncation dramatically reduces its binding to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), making approximately 10 times more of the peptide bioavailable to activate IGF-1 receptors compared to full-length IGF-1. It is used in research and performance contexts for its potent anabolic and proliferative effects on muscle tissue.
Technical detail
Des(1-3)IGF-1 is a 67-amino-acid truncated variant of IGF-1 lacking the N-terminal tripeptide (Gly-Pro-Glu). This deletion reduces affinity for IGF binding proteins (IGFBP-1 through IGFBP-6) by approximately 100-fold while preserving full IGF-1R binding affinity, resulting in substantially greater bioavailability and receptor activation compared to intact IGF-1. It activates the IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade with enhanced potency, promoting protein synthesis, satellite cell proliferation, and muscle hypertrophy. Its reduced IGFBP binding also means shorter half-life and more localized action.