IGF-1 DES 1mg

IGF-1 DES, or des(1-3)IGF-I, is a naturally occurring truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-I that lacks the first three N-terminal amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu). Contexx Research supplies IGF-1 DES in Canada as a 1 mg lyophilized protein for growth-factor and receptor research.

IGF-1 DES specifications

Research overview

Losing the N-terminal tripeptide sharply reduces des(1-3)IGF-I’s binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) while largely preserving its affinity for the type 1 IGF receptor. Ross and colleagues showed in 1989 that IGFBPs inhibit the biological activity of IGF-1 and IGF-2 in cell culture but not of des(1-3)IGF-I [1]. This explains why the variant appears more potent in many in-vitro systems.

The variant was first isolated from bovine colostrum and porcine and human brain tissue, and recombinant forms were later produced and characterised [2]. Ballard’s 1996 review summarises its discovery, receptor and IGFBP binding properties, and results in cell culture and rodent models [3].

IGF-1 DES is used in vitro to separate IGF-I receptor signalling from IGFBP effects, as a high-potency supplement in cell-culture media and as a comparator in IGF-I structure–function studies.

Selected references

1. Ross M et al. Biochem J. 1989. PubMed 2539101
2. McKinnon P et al. J Mol Endocrinol. 1991. PubMed 1883485
3. Ballard FJ et al. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 1996. PubMed 8930132

Storage and handling

IGF-1 DES ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. Dry material is far more stable than material in solution, so keep it in its dry, sealed state until you need it.

• Store unopened vials of IGF-1 DES at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
• Prepare stock solutions in a solvent suited to your assay, label them with concentration and date, and keep them at 2–8 °C for short-term use.
• For longer storage of solutions, divide them into single-use aliquots and freeze them; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Handle with gloves and eye protection, following your laboratory’s standard chemical-hygiene practice.

See our guide to storing lyophilized peptides in the lab for more detail.

Quality and testing

Contexx Research independently tests every batch it releases. A lot-specific COA for IGF-1 DES isn’t linked on this page yet. For questions about testing, contact info@contexxresearch.ca.

We don’t list purity figures in this description; the lot COA is the reference for identity and purity. Researchers should confirm identity and concentration with their own analytical methods where their protocol requires it.

Frequently asked questions

What’s included when I order IGF-1 DES 1 mg?

One sealed vial containing 1 mg of IGF-1 DES as a lyophilized powder. Reconstitution solution is sold separately.

Does IGF-1 DES come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

Every batch Contexx Research releases is independently tested. A lot-specific COA isn’t linked on this page yet; for testing questions, contact info@contexxresearch.ca.

How fast is shipping in Canada?

Orders are processed Monday to Friday, and most orders ship within 24 hours from Mississauga, Ontario, in secure, tamper-evident packaging. Orders placed on Friday afternoon (after the 12:00 PM ET cut-off) ship on Monday, when Canada Post resumes pickup, or on the next business day if Monday is a statutory holiday. Once your order ships, delivery typically takes 1–3 business days in Ontario and Quebec and 2–6 business days in the rest of Canada, and a tracking number is emailed to you. Orders over $250 CAD shipped within Canada qualify for free standard shipping. See our Shipping Policy for details.

How should IGF-1 DES be stored?

Store unopened vials at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. After reconstitution, keep solutions at 2–8 °C for short-term use, or freeze single-use aliquots and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

What does “research use only” mean?

“Research use only” means IGF-1 DES is sold only as a reference material for in-vitro laboratory and analytical research by qualified professionals. It is not for use in humans or animals, not for diagnostic use, and not a drug, natural health product, food, supplement or cosmetic.

Research use only

IGF-1 DES is sold by Contexx Research Inc. strictly as a reference material for in-vitro laboratory research and analytical use by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, natural health product, food, dietary supplement or cosmetic. It is not intended for use in humans or animals, for diagnostic purposes, or for ingestion or any other form of administration to a living organism. Nothing on this page describes or implies any effect in humans or animals. Purchasers are responsible for handling, storage and disposal in line with applicable laws and their institution’s policies. By ordering, you confirm that you are purchasing for legitimate laboratory research and agree to our Terms and Conditions.