One gene on chromosome 12, two start sites, alternative splicing, and why the mature peptide is always the same

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
The IGF1 gene spans about 90 kilobases on the long arm of chromosome 12 and has six exons. Transcription starts from either of two promoters, in exon 1 or exon 2, giving class 1 and class 2 transcripts with different signal peptides; the liver uses mainly class 2 under growth hormone control, other tissues mainly class 1. Exons 3 and 4 encode the mature 70-residue peptide. Alternative splicing of exons 5 and 6 gives precursors with different carboxyl-terminal extensions, the E-peptides Ea, Eb and Ec. The Ec variant, induced in muscle by mechanical load, was named mechano growth factor by Goldspink. Every variant is cleaved to the identical mature IGF-1.

Promoters and tissue

The two promoters let the gene be regulated differently in different places: the hepatic, endocrine IGF-1 that enters the ternary complex comes largely from class 2 transcripts driven by STAT5, while local, autocrine production in muscle, bone and brain comes largely from class 1. This is the molecular basis of the distinction between circulating and local IGF-1 that the somatomedin hypothesis debates turned on.

Both classes encode the same mature peptide.

The E-peptides

The precursor carries an extension beyond the 70 residues that is removed during processing. Which extension depends on splicing. Whether the E-peptides have activity of their own after cleavage has been argued for two decades, with the Ec or mechano growth factor peptide the most studied and the evidence mixed. Commercial peptides sold as MGF are synthetic versions of this E-peptide, not of IGF-1.

The page comparing LR3 with MGF sets out that distinction.

Why it matters for LR3

IGF-1 LR3 is built on the mature 70-residue sequence, which every isoform produces. It has no E-peptide and does not correspond to any natural precursor. Claims that attach isoform-specific properties to it are unfounded by construction.

IGF-1 LR3 is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity and purity documented for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
IGF-1 LR3 Pack1 mgAED 650In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

Promoters and tissue?

The two promoters let the gene be regulated differently in different places: the hepatic, endocrine IGF-1 that enters the ternary complex comes largely from class 2 transcripts driven by STAT5, while local, autocrine production in muscle, bone and brain comes largely from class 1. This is the molecular basis of the distinction between circulating and local IGF-1 that the somatomedin hypothesis debates turned on.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

IGF-1 LR3 Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.