IGFBP7 Overview
The superfamily of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding proteins consists of six high-affinity IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and at least four other low-affinity binding proteins called IGFBP-associated proteins (IGFBP-rPs).IGFBP7, a low-affinity IGF-binding protein, plays an essential role in the regulation of a wide range of cell types, including the stimulation of prostacyclin production and cellular adhesion of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) action . Some IGFBPs may also have intrinsic biological activities that are independent of their ability to bind IGF proteins.IGFBP7 levels have been associated with cancer development. Loss of IGFBP7 expression has been associated with poor survival and tumor chemoresistance in several cancer types. IGFBP7 has also been identified as a cell cycle arrest biomarker for acute kidney injury in humans and as a prognostic indicator for early acute kidney injury development.