Role of IGFBP-3 in Human Diseases Relying on Different Cell Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Insulin growth factor protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is a member of the binding protein family which is known as the main carrier of insulin-like growth factors in human serum. Through the existence of multiple IGFBP-3 binding partners such as insulin growth factors (IGFs), transmembrane receptor 219 (TMEM219) protein, retinoid X receptors (RXRs), and other proteins, in IGF-dependent and IGF-independent cell signaling pathways, IGFBP-3 exerts the various key roles associated with physiological processes such as cell growth prevention and differentiation, apoptosis induction and have several metabolic activities such as regulating blood glucose, lipid metabolism, regulating bone, and chondrocyte growth as well. Moreover, IGFBP-3 plays an important role in the pathophysiology of a variety of human diseases including ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and cancer. Therefore, in this current study, we intend to describe the IGFBP-3 role depending on its effect on the pathophysiology of human illnesses.