Abstract
The Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) signaling system plays a central role in cellular
growth, differentiation and proliferation. IGFBP-3 is the most abundant IGF binding
protein in human serum and has been shown to be a growth inhibitory, apoptosis-inducing
molecule, capable of acting via IGF-dependent and IGF-independent mechanisms. Over
the last decade, several clinical studies have proposed that individuals with IGFBP-3
levels in the upper range of normal may have a decreased risk for certain common cancers.
This includes evidence of a protective effect against breast cancer, prostate cancer,
colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. In addition, a series of in vitro studies and animal experiments point towards an important role for IGFBP-3 in the
regulation of cell growth and apoptosis. In this brief review, we discuss the biological
role of IGFBP-3 and summarize the epidemiological and experimental evidence suggesting
a role for IGFBP-3 as an anti-cancer molecule.
Key words
IGFBP-3 - IGF - Cancer - Growth factor - Binding Proteins
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P. Cohen, M. D.
UCLA Division of Endocrinology · Department of Pediatrics
22 - 315 MDCC · 10833 Le Coute Avenue · Los Angeles · CA 90095-1752
Email: hassy@mednet.ucla.edu