OnePin Peptide Library · Repair & Recovery
MGF
Mechano Growth Factor · IGF-1Ec
Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is a splice variant of the IGF-1 gene (IGF-1Ec in humans, IGF-1Eb in rodents) that is produced locally in muscle tissue in response to mechanical stress, such as resistance exercise or tissue damage. Unlike systemic IGF-1, MGF is expressed transiently and acts in an autocrine/paracrine manner at the site of muscle damage. It plays a key role in activating muscle satellite (stem) cells, initiating the early repair and growth response following exercise-induced muscle damage.,The synthetic peptide form used in research is typically the 24-amino-acid C-terminal peptide of the MGF E-domain, often PEGylated (PEG-MGF) to extend its extremely short biological half-life. Native MGF has a half-life of only 5-7 minutes due to rapid enzymatic degradation, while PEGylation extends this to several hours. MGF differs from mature IGF-1 in that it preferentially activates satellite cell proliferation (early muscle repair) rather than differentiation, making it complementary to IGF-1 in the muscle regeneration timeline.,MGF has not been approved for human use by any regulatory agency and remains a research compound. Most of the scientific literature on MGF consists of basic science studies on its role in muscle biology, cardiac repair, and neuroregeneration. While the endogenous biology of MGF is well-characterized, the pharmacology of exogenous synthetic MGF peptide administration in humans is essentially unstudied in controlled clinical trials.
Post-workout injection at target muscle (IM). Pin alone. Inject within 30 minutes of training.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
MGF activates quiescent muscle satellite (stem) cells, causing them to re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate. This is a critical early step in muscle repair following damage. MGF acts via a distinct receptor pathway from mature IGF-1, primarily activating satellite cell proliferation rather than differentiation.,Signals through the IGF-1 receptor but with different downstream effects than mature IGF-1, preferentially activating the ERK1/2 (proliferative) pathway over the PI3K/Akt (differentiation/hypertrophy) pathway. This makes MGF an early-phase repair signal that precedes the later IGF-1-driven hypertrophy response.,Also inhibits satellite cell differentiation during the proliferative phase, ensuring an adequate pool of progenitor cells is generated before they commit to becoming mature muscle fibers. This temporal regulation is essential for optimal muscle repair and may support hyperplasia (new fiber formation).
MGF activates quiescent muscle satellite (stem) cells, causing them to re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate. This is a critical early step in muscle repair following damage. MGF acts via a distinct receptor pathway from mature IGF-1, primarily activating satellite cell proliferation rather than differentiation.,Signals through the IGF-1 receptor but with different downstream effects than mature IGF-1, preferentially activating the ERK1/2 (proliferative) pathway over the PI3K/Akt (differentiation/hypertrophy) pathway. This makes MGF an early-phase repair signal that precedes the later IGF-1-driven hypertrophy response.,Also inhibits satellite cell differentiation during the proliferative phase, ensuring an adequate pool of progenitor cells is generated before they commit to becoming mature muscle fibers. This temporal regulation is essential for optimal muscle repair and may support hyperplasia (new fiber formation).
What to expect
Days 1-7: Satellite cell activation occurs within hours of injection (based on preclinical data). Subjective effects are minimal in the first week.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Store refrigerated at 2-8C. Reconstituted solution should be used within 7-14 days. PEG-MGF is more stable than non-PEG form. Use bacteriostatic water for reconstitution.
Regulatory status
Not approved for human use by the FDA or any regulatory agency. Research chemical only. Listed as a prohibited substance by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open MGF straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open MGF in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete MGF walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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