Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling in Vascular Pathologies
Summary
Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their associated receptors constitute a critical signalling axis in vascular biology, integrating metabolic cues with cellular growth, survival and repair processes. IGF-1 and IGF-2 act through the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) to regulate endothelial cell function, vascular smooth muscle cell behaviour and extracellular matrix remodelling. Dysregulation of this pathway contributes to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, plaque instability and microvascular decline. In healthy vessels, IGF signalling promotes nitric oxide production, supports capillary density and enhances endothelial resilience to oxidative stress. Conversely, impaired IGF input may exacerbate lipid accumulation, inflammatory cell recruitment and vascular cell apoptosis, fuelling luminal narrowing and predisposing to ischaemic events. Therapeutic modulation of IGF signalling holds promise for stabilising vulnerable plaques, improving microcirculatory perfusion and attenuating age-related vascular deterioration. Emerging approaches span from recombinant IGF administration and receptor agonists to tissue-targeted gene manipulation and epigenetic regulation by non-coding RNAs. A comprehensive understanding of pathway balance and cross-talk with insulin, inflammatory mediators and shear stress responses is essential for translating mechanistic insights into clinical interventions that address both macrovascular and microvascular complications on a global scale.
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling in Vascular Pathologies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in insulin-like growth factor signaling in vascular pathologies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): A peptide hormone that promotes cell survival, proliferation and metabolic regulation, playing a central role in vascular repair and homeostasis.
IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R): A transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates the biological effects of IGF-1 and IGF-2 upon ligand binding and autophosphorylation.
Atherosclerosis: A chronic arterial disorder characterised by lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrous cap formation, leading to plaque development and possible rupture.
Endothelial dysfunction: Impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and barrier integrity, often accompanied by reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and pro-inflammatory activation.
Microvascular rarefaction: A reduction in the density of small blood vessels, compromising tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery, especially in skeletal muscle and neural tissues.
References
- Insulin-like growth factor I reduces coronary atherosclerosis in pigs with familial hypercholesterolemia. JCI Insight (2023).
- Endothelial IGF- 1R deficiency disrupts microvascular homeostasis, impairing skeletal muscle perfusion and endurance: implications for age-related sarcopenia. GeroScience (2025).
- New insights on the cardiovascular effects of IGF-1. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023).
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