insulin-like growth factor
noun
in·su·lin-like growth factor
ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən-ˈlīk- 
: either of two polypeptides structurally similar to insulin that are secreted either during fetal development or during childhood and that mediate growth hormone activity
Examples of insulin-like growth factor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
People who take a GLP-1 medication also tend to have elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a growth hormone that helps control sebum production.
—
Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
During childhood, hormones—including thyroid hormones, human growth hormone (HGH), and insulin-like growth factor 1—play a major role in healthy growth and development.
—Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025
These peptides, in turn, activate the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway in NSCs and triggers their reactivation.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
Researchers are unsure exactly why dairy causes acne, but some evidence suggests that milk raises insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which increases sebum (oil) production.
—Kathleen Felton, Health, 11 Sep. 2023
Laron syndrome results from a mutation in the gene that codes for growth hormone receptor (GHR), a protein that binds with the human growth hormone and ultimately results in the production of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), causing cells to grow and divide.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 17 Feb. 2011
In 1956 Daughaday discovered the hormone now called insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1.
—Gary Taubes, Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2013
As animals grow, two proteins play a major role: insulin and insulin-like growth factor (known as IGF).
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2012
Fueling all these promises is a hormone called IGF-1 (short for insulin-like growth factor).
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2013
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
During childhood, hormones—including thyroid hormones, human growth hormone (HGH), and insulin-like growth factor 1—play a major role in healthy growth and development.
—Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025
These peptides, in turn, activate the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway in NSCs and triggers their reactivation.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
Researchers are unsure exactly why dairy causes acne, but some evidence suggests that milk raises insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which increases sebum (oil) production.
—Kathleen Felton, Health, 11 Sep. 2023
Laron syndrome results from a mutation in the gene that codes for growth hormone receptor (GHR), a protein that binds with the human growth hormone and ultimately results in the production of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), causing cells to grow and divide.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 17 Feb. 2011
In 1956 Daughaday discovered the hormone now called insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1.
—Gary Taubes, Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2013
As animals grow, two proteins play a major role: insulin and insulin-like growth factor (known as IGF).
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2012
Fueling all these promises is a hormone called IGF-1 (short for insulin-like growth factor).
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2013
Cite this Entry
“Insulin-like growth factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin-like%20growth%20factor. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
insulin-like growth factor
noun
in·su·lin-like growth factor
ˌin(t)-s(ə-)lən-ˌlīk-
: either of two polypeptides structurally similar to insulin that are secreted either during fetal development or during childhood and that mediate growth hormone activity
especially
: insulin-like growth factor 1
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share