IGFBP5

IGFBP5 (Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IGFBP5 gene. It is one of six members of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family and plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Function

IGFBP5 is a secreted protein that binds both insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II and circulates in the plasma. Binding of this protein prolongs the half-life of the IGFs and alters their interaction with cell surface receptors.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of IGFBP5 have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In breast cancer, high levels of IGFBP5 have been associated with a poor prognosis. In contrast, in prostate cancer, low levels of IGFBP5 have been linked to a poor prognosis. In pulmonary fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis, IGFBP5 has been shown to promote fibrosis and inflammation, respectively.

Research

Research into the role of IGFBP5 in disease progression and the development of targeted therapies is ongoing. Several studies have suggested that IGFBP5 could be a potential therapeutic target in cancer and fibrotic diseases.

See also

• Insulin-like growth factor
• Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis