Transgenic mouse models for studying the functions of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins

FASEB J. 2000 Apr;14(5):629-40. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.14.5.629.

Abstract

The insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) comprise a family of six related peptides that interact with high affinity with IGFs. IGFBPs compete with IGF receptors for IGF binding, and as a consequence of this competition they can affect cell growth. In addition, IGF-independent regulatory mechanisms of IGFBPs have been described. Despite their common property to interact with IGFs every IGFBP is expressed in a tightly regulated time- and tissue-specific manner suggesting that each protein may have its own distinct functions. Several transgenic mouse models overexpressing IGFBP-1, -2, -3, or -4 were developed in the past few years. Brain abnormalities were a common feature of IGFBP-1 transgenic models. Individual strains showed alterations in glucose homeostasis, reproductive performance, and a reduction of somatic growth as the most prominent phenotypes. The latter was also the main effect observed in IGFBP-2 transgenic mice. The overexpression of IGFBP-3 under the control of an ubiquitous promoter resulted in selective organomegaly, whereas mammary gland-targeted expression of this protein caused an altered involution after pregnancy in this organ. Tissue-specific overexpression of IGFBP-4 resulted in hypoplasia and reduced weight of smooth muscle-rich tissues such as bladder, aorta, and stomach. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the actions of IGFBPs in vivo based on the presently established transgenic mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Growth Disorders / genetics
  • Homeostasis
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Phenotype
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproduction / genetics

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins
  • Glucose