IGFBP4 (BP 4, BP4, Deb2, HT29 IGFBP, IBP 4, IBP-4, IBP4, IBP4_HUMAN, IGF Binding Protein 4, IGF-Binding Protein 4, IGF-BP4, IGFBP 4, IGFBP-4, IGFBP4, Insulin Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 4, Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 4)

The insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins, or IGFBPs, are a family of homologous proteins that have co-evolved with the IGFs. They serve not only as shuttle molecules for the soluble IGFs, but also confer a level of regulation to the IGF signaling system. Physical association of the IGFBPs with IGF influences the bio-availability of the growth factors, as well as their concentration and distribution in the extracellular environment. In addition, the IGFBPs appear to have biological activity independent of the IGFs. Seven IGFBPs have thus far been described, each differing in their tissue...