The one binding protein that changes by the hour, and what it tells about metabolic state

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 is a 25 kilodalton protein made mainly in the liver, whose production is switched off by insulin within hours and switched on by its absence. During fasting IGFBP-1 rises several-fold and binds free IGF-1, reducing its availability; after a meal insulin falls IGFBP-1 and frees it. It is the only binding protein regulated on this time scale, and because it tracks hepatic insulin action, low IGFBP-1 is a marker of hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance in epidemiological studies.

Regulation

The IGFBP-1 gene is controlled by insulin through the FOXO transcription factors, which insulin inactivates; the same mechanism that regulates gluconeogenic genes. Glucocorticoids and fasting raise it; insulin lowers it. Its concentration can change by an order of magnitude within a day, where IGFBP-3 varies little.

It is also made by the decidua in pregnancy and is a marker used in obstetrics.

Function

Acute buffering of free IGF-1 in step with metabolic state: when insulin is low and glucose must be conserved, IGFBP-1 sequesters IGF-1 and limits its insulin-like actions. It also binds integrins through an arginine-glycine-aspartate motif and may have IGF-independent effects on cell migration. In the ternary-complex scheme it is a minor carrier; in minute-to-minute regulation it is the main one.

IGF-1 LR3 binds IGFBP-1, as the others, poorly.

Why it is here

Because the binding proteins are the central design problem of the IGF-1 analogues and each has a different job. This is the one that moves fastest.

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

Regulation?

The IGFBP-1 gene is controlled by insulin through the FOXO transcription factors, which insulin inactivates; the same mechanism that regulates gluconeogenic genes. Glucocorticoids and fasting raise it; insulin lowers it. Its concentration can change by an order of magnitude within a day, where IGFBP-3 varies little.

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.