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The IGF axis and programmed cell death
Author(s) -
Butt Alison J,
Firth Sue M,
Baxter Robert C
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1711.1999.00822.x
Subject(s) - apoptosis , mediator , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , receptor , context (archaeology) , carcinogenesis , programmed cell death , growth factor , suppressor , cell growth , protein kinase b , function (biology) , signal transduction , cancer research , cancer , genetics , paleontology
Insulin‐like growth factors (IGF) are mitogenic peptides that have been implicated as positive regulators of cellular proliferation. In recent years, several studies have suggested an additional role for the IGF axis in the regulation of apoptosis. Signalling through the IGF receptor has been shown to have a potent survival function and protect cells from a variety of apoptotic stimuli. The actions of IGF are regulated by a family of high‐affinity IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), which sequester the IGF from the IGF receptor. However, there is some evidence that one of these binding proteins, IGFBP‐3, may have its own pro‐apoptotic effects that are independent of its ability to modulate IGF bioavailability. In addition, it has been suggested that the tumour suppressor p53, a crucial mediator of apoptosis in response to cellular stress, may elicit several of its apoptotic effects through manipulation of components of the IGF axis. This review summarizes what is currently known about the role of the IGF system in the regulation of apoptosis, highlighting its implications in the context of tumorigenesis.