Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 7 (IGFBP7) Protein

Background

IGFBP7 is a member of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein family that regulates the availability and activity of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) by binding to them with high affinity Unlike other IGFBPs, IGFBP7 also binds to insulin, modulating its signaling and promoting metabolic homeostasis IGFBP7 plays a critical role in regulating cell growth, apoptosis, and senescence and has anti-tumorigenic properties by inhibiting the mitogenic effects of IGFs Its expression is downregulated in cancers such as colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer where it acts as a tumor suppressor IGFBP7 also plays roles in cardiovascular health by influencing vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and in fibrosis by mediating tissue remodeling and extracellular matrix deposition