IGFs exert their effects by binding to the IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) and the insulin receptor (IR). Upon binding, these receptors undergo autophosphorylation, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways. This includes the PI3K-Akt and the MAPK pathways, which are involved in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. IGFs also interact with several binding proteins (IGFBPs) that modulate their activity, availability, and half-life.
