IGFBP4
Description
The IGFBP4 (insulin like growth factor binding protein 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
IGFBP4 is a protein encoded by the IGFBP4 gene in humans. It is part of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family. The protein contains an IGFBP domain and a thyroglobulin type-I domain. IGFBP4 binds to both IGF-I and IGF-II and circulates in the blood in both glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms. Binding of IGFBP4 to IGFs extends their lifespan and changes how they interact with cell receptors. Notably, IGFBP-4 has a unique characteristic; it consistently inhibits various cancer cells both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. Its inhibitory action has been demonstrated in prostate and colon cancer in vivo. It is secreted by all colon cancer cells. Although IGFBP4 doesn't prevent the formation of cancer, it can reduce cancer growth and act as an apoptotic factor. IGFBP4 interacts with both Insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2.
IGF-binding proteins, such as IGFBP4, extend the lifespan of IGFs (Insulin-like Growth Factors) in the bloodstream. They can either suppress or enhance the growth-promoting effects of IGFs on cells in laboratory settings. These proteins also modify how IGFs interact with receptors on the surface of cells.
IGFBP4 is also known as BP-4, HT29-IGFBP, IBP4, IGFBP-4.
