From a worm mutant in 1993 to receptor variants in centenarians

Published 24 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Kenyon and colleagues reported in Nature in 1993 that worms with a mutation in daf-2, the gene for the single insulin/IGF-1-like receptor, lived twice as long. Holzenberger and colleagues reported in Nature in 2003 that mice with one copy of the IGF-1 receptor gene lived about a quarter longer than littermates, with the effect clearer in females. Suh and colleagues reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2008 that Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians were enriched for IGF1R variants that reduced receptor function. Reduced signalling through this pathway is one of the most conserved lifespan-extending interventions known in model organisms.

The worm

daf-2 encodes the only receptor of the insulin/IGF family in the worm; the mutation reduced its activity and doubled adult lifespan, dependent on the transcription factor daf-16, the worm FOXO. The result founded the molecular genetics of ageing and was extended to flies by work on the insulin receptor substrate chico in 2001.

The pathway and the FOXO dependence are conserved to mammals.

The mouse and the human data

The 2003 heterozygous mice were normal in size and metabolism and more resistant to oxidative stress. Later mouse studies gave smaller or sex-specific effects, so the magnitude is debated but the direction has held. The 2008 centenarian study found functional IGF1R variants over-represented, with carriers shorter and with higher circulating IGF-1, consistent with reduced receptor sensitivity.

Human evidence is associative; the mouse and worm evidence is interventional on the gene.

What this does and does not say

That less signalling through this pathway is associated with longer life across species. It does not describe the consequence of adding ligand, and it is not a statement about any use of the material in this catalogue. It is included because it is part of what is established about the pathway the product acts on.

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

The worm?

daf-2 encodes the only receptor of the insulin/IGF family in the worm; the mutation reduced its activity and doubled adult lifespan, dependent on the transcription factor daf-16, the worm FOXO. The result founded the molecular genetics of ageing and was extended to flies by work on the insulin receptor substrate chico in 2001.

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.