Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 As a Possible Neuroprotective Agent and Memory Enhancer-Its Comparative Expression, Processing and Signaling in Mammalian CNS

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2021 Mar 6

PMID 33673334

Citations 22

Authors

Alexander Beletskiy

Ekaterina Chesnokova

Natalia Bal

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A number of studies performed on rodents suggest that insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) or its analogs may possibly be used for treating some conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, autistic spectrum disorders or aging-related cognitive impairment. Still, for translational research a comparative knowledge about the function of IGF-2 and related molecules in model organisms (rats and mice) and humans is necessary. There is a number of important differences in IGF-2 signaling between species. In the present review we emphasize species-specific patterns of IGF-2 expression in rodents, humans and some other mammals, using, among other sources, publicly available transcriptomic data. We provide a detailed description of Igf2 mRNA expression regulation and pre-pro-IGF-2 protein processing in different species. We also summarize the function of IGF-binding proteins. We describe three different receptors able to bind IGF-2 and discuss the role of IGF-2 signaling in learning and memory, as well as in neuroprotection. We hope that comprehensive understanding of similarities and differences in IGF-2 signaling between model organisms and humans will be useful for development of more effective medicines targeting IGF-2 receptors.

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