IGFBP7 (insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7) is from the IGFBP superfamily and is widely expressed in tissues. It contains 11 cysteines, a heparin-binding site, a Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor domain and a carboxyl-terminal immunoglobulin-like type C repeat. The IGFBP7 gene is mapped to human chromosome 4q12.
IGFBP7 (insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7) works as a tumor suppressor as well as an oncogene by controlling cell proliferation, cell attachment, apoptosis and angiogenesis. It is also involved in TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) signal pathway. IGFBP7 also interferes with the insulin pathway and is associated with the development of diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases.IGFBP7 binds weakly to IGFs (insulin like growth factors) and strongly to insulin. It mainly participates in IGF-independent pathways.
