PEG MGF

PEG MGF

PEG MGF is a synthetic, pegylated peptide designed in the laboratory. It is an analogue of Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF), a naturally occurring splice variant derived from the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) gene. Pegylation, the attachment of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain, significantly improves the peptide’s stability and prolongs its half-life in circulation, enabling extended biological activity in experimental models. This product is strictly for research and analytical use and is not intended for clinical, therapeutic, or human use.

PEG MGF Overview

PEG MGF (Pegylated Mechano-Growth Factor) is a synthetic, structurally optimized version of Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF), which is itself a splice variant originating from the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) gene. The key chemical modification is the covalent bonding of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain—a process termed pegylation—which confers superior stability and a substantially longer circulating half-life compared to the native MGF peptide.

The increased longevity of PEG MGF makes it a valuable reagent for studies requiring sustained exposure to the growth factor. Researchers utilize it to investigate muscle repair kinetics, cellular growth and signaling, skeletal muscle hypertrophy, and the activation of satellite cells in response to mechanical stress. Its prolonged bioactivity facilitates long-term analysis of tissue recovery and regenerative mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

PEG MGF is strictly intended for qualified scientific professionals and must be used exclusively in controlled laboratory settings for research and analytical purposes. It is not approved for human or veterinary medical use.

PEG MGF Structure

PEG MGF Research

Research Focus

Summary of Published Findings

Key Research Benefit of PEG-MGF

Skeletal Muscle

Protects muscle cells by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation; regulates immune cell recruitment (e.g., macrophages).

Facilitates long-term study of muscle regeneration and IGF-1 receptor activation.

Cardiomyocyte Health

Inhibits heart muscle cell death (apoptosis) from hypoxia; attracts and mobilizes cardiac stem cells.

Supports research into tissue regeneration and minimizing pathological heart enlargement post-myocardial injury.

Joint & Cartilage

Enhances chondrocyte function and migration, key for cartilage tissue maintenance.

Extended half-life (weeks/months) makes it ideal for sustained in vivo joint repair studies.

Dental Ligaments

Stimulates bone-forming differentiation (osteogenesis) and upregulates tissue remodeling enzymes (MMP-1, MMP-2).

Relevant for studies on periodontal regeneration and potential tooth salvage following trauma.

PEG-MGF and Skeletal Muscle

Research utilizing mouse models of muscle injury indicates that MGF administration may protect muscle tissue by reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammatory hormone expression. Supporting research confirms MGF's role in modulating muscle inflammation and enhancing the targeted recruitment of immune cells (macrophages and neutrophils) to damaged sites. This research builds upon the fact that muscle injury triggers the release of MGF-related IGF-1 isoforms. Studies also show MGF activates the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor comparably to IGF-1, suggesting PEG-MGF may drive similar actions in promoting muscle repair, maintenance, and regeneration.

PEG-MGF Research in Heart Muscle Repair

In studies from the University of Illinois, MGF was shown to inhibit the programmed death of cardiac muscle cells caused by oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). Furthermore, the peptide appears to recruit cardiac stem cells to the damage site, which is beneficial for regeneration after a heart attack. Rats treated with MGF shortly after hypoxia demonstrated reduced cell death and increased stem cell recruitment. Additional research indicates that localized PEG-MGF delivery can enhance cardiac performance following myocardial injury by minimizing abnormal heart muscle enlargement (pathologic hypertrophy), improving heart function and blood flow dynamics.

Protecting Cartilage

MGF is believed to enhance the function of chondrocytes, the specialized cells responsible for producing and maintaining cartilage. Animal studies suggest MGF encourages chondrocyte migration from bone into cartilage regions, where they perform their regenerative roles. Crucially, the pegylated form allows for sustained activity over weeks or months, a significant extension compared to the native MGF peptide, making PEG-MGF a superior candidate for long-term therapeutic studies on damaged joints.

Dental Applications

In vitro studies on human periodontal ligament cell cultures have demonstrated that PEG-MGF enhances osteogenic (bone-forming) differentiation and increases the expression of critical tissue remodeling enzymes (MMP-1 and MMP-2). These findings suggest a potential role in regenerating the periodontal ligaments that connect teeth to bone, which could offer an alternative to extractions and potentially aid in the repair and restoration of damaged or avulsed teeth.

Article Author

The content for this literature review was compiled, edited, and organized by Dr. Geoffrey Goldspink, Ph.D., a renowned molecular physiologist. Dr. Goldspink is best known for his discovery of Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF), a key splice variant of the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) gene. His pioneering work established the scientific basis for how mechanical forces regulate gene expression and stimulate tissue regeneration in muscle, bone, and cartilage. Dr. Goldspink's extensive contributions are fundamental to the fields of muscle repair, growth factor biology, and regenerative science, particularly concerning MGF and analogues like PEG-MGF.

Scientific Journal Author

Dr. Geoffrey Goldspink, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Muscle and Molecular Physiology at University College London (UCL), has contributed significantly to peer-reviewed research concerning the biological functions of Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) in muscle regeneration, cellular signaling, and adaptation. His collaborative work with researchers, including Y. Li, P. Williams, and V. Kandalla, has helped define the molecular mechanisms through which MGF influences tissue growth and repair processes. This section is intended only to acknowledge the substantial scientific contributions of Dr. Goldspink and his research colleagues. It does not constitute an endorsement or promotion of this specific product.

Reference Citations

• Yang S, Cui H, Chai X, et al. Mechano growth factor, a splice variant of IGF-1, promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain. Mol Brain. 2017;10:23.
• Vassilopoulos A, Constantinou C, Clayton R, et al. MGF: a local growth factor or a local tissue repair factor? Physiology (Bethesda). 2010;25:139-149.
• Goldspink G, Li Y, Williams P, et al. Mechano-growth factor (MGF) E peptide regulates chondrocytes and cartilage-defect repair. J Orthop Res. 2023 (review).
• Kandalla PK, Goldspink G, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G. Mechano-Growth Factor E peptide derived from an isoform of IGF-1 activates human muscle progenitor cells. Mech Ageing Dev. 2011;132(4):154-162.
• Core Peptides. PEG-MGF peptide: research in tissue repair and cell regeneration. 2023.
• HHM Global. Pegylated Mechano-Growth Factor peptide overview. 2024.
• Swolverine Blog. PEG-MGF for beginners: muscle repair, dosing, and stacking guide. 2024.
• TRT MD. PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) - muscle repair and growth. 2024.
• Clinical research database. Study of MGF analogues in muscle repair. ClinicalTrials.gov.

ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

The products offered on this website are furnished for in vitro studies only. In vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.

STORAGE

Storage Instructions

All products undergo lyophilization (freeze-drying), which preserves stability during transit for approximately three to four months.

Storage Condition

Peptide State

Temperature Range

Stability Period

Optimal Long-Term

Lyophilized Powder

-80C (-112F)

Several Months to Years

Short-Term

Lyophilized Powder

Room Temperature to <4C (39F)

Several Weeks to Months

Reconstituted

Solution

Refrigerated 4C (39F)

Up to 30 Days

After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigeration is mandatory to maintain peptide effectiveness, with a stability period of up to 30 days. Lyophilization, or cryodesiccation, is a specialized dehydration process where peptides are frozen and exposed to low pressure, causing water to sublimate and leaving a stable, crystalline white powder. This lyophilized powder can be stored safely at room temperature until the point of reconstitution. For storage extending over many months or years, freezing at -80C (-112F) is recommended to ensure optimal structural integrity and stability. Upon receipt, protect peptides from light and keep them cool. Refrigeration below 4C (39F) is suitable for short-term use.

Best Practices For Storing Peptides

Following correct storage protocols is essential for guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of research results. Proper storage minimizes the risk of degradation, oxidation, and contamination, thereby extending the effective lifespan and integrity of the peptides.

Upon receipt, ensure peptides are cool and light-protected. Short-term storage (ranging from days to a few months) requires refrigeration below 4C (39F). Lyophilized peptides generally remain stable at room temperature for several weeks, which is acceptable for shorter storage durations. For long-term preservation (several months to years), store peptides in a freezer at -80C (-112F).

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as these fluctuations drastically accelerate degradation. Additionally, frost-free freezers should be avoided due to the temperature variations that occur during their automatic defrost cycles, which can compromise peptide stability.

Preventing Oxidation and Moisture Contamination

The stability of peptides can be severely compromised by exposure to air and moisture. To prevent moisture contamination, a common issue when retrieving peptides from the freezer, always allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening it.

Minimize air exposure by keeping the container closed as much as possible, resealing promptly after dispensing the required amount. Storing the unused peptide under a dry, inert gas (such as argon or nitrogen) can further prevent oxidation. Peptides containing cysteine (C), methionine (M), or tryptophan (W) residues are particularly vulnerable to air oxidation and require extra care. To preserve long-term stability, divide the peptide into smaller, single-use aliquots to prevent repeated temperature changes and exposure to air.

Storing Peptides In Solution

Peptide solutions have a much shorter shelf life and are more susceptible to bacterial degradation than lyophilized powders. Peptides containing cysteine (Cys), methionine (Met), tryptophan (Trp), aspartic acid (Asp), glutamine (Gln), or N-terminal glutamic acid (Glu) residues are known to degrade more rapidly in solution.

If storing in solution is unavoidable, use sterile buffers with a pH between 5 and 6, and aliquot the solution to minimize damaging freeze-thaw cycles. Most peptide solutions remain stable for up to 30 days when refrigerated at 4C (39F). Less stable peptides should be frozen when not in immediate use.

Peptide Storage Containers

Storage containers must be clean, clear, chemically resistant, and durable, sized appropriately to limit excess air space. Suitable options include both glass and plastic vials. Plastic options are typically polystyrene (clear, limited chemical resistance) or polypropylene (more chemically resistant, usually translucent). High-quality glass vials offer the best chemical inertness, stability, and clarity. While peptides are often shipped in plastic to reduce breakage, transferring them to glass vials may be beneficial for long-term storage or specific lab practices.

Peptide Storage Guidelines: General Tips

To ensure peptide integrity and stability, follow these guidelines:

• Store peptides in a cold, dry, and dark environment.
• Do not perform repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Minimize air exposure to reduce the risk of oxidation.
• Protect from light to maintain structural integrity.
• Store in lyophilized form for long-term preservation.
• Aliquot peptides according to experimental needs to limit unnecessary handling.