IGF-2 is one of three protein hormones that share structural similarity to insulin. The major role of IGF2 is as a growth promoting hormone during gestation. IGF-2 exerts its effects by binding to the IGF-1 receptor. IGF2 may also bind to the IGF-2 receptor (also called the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor), which acts as a signalling antagonist; that is, to prevent IGF2 responses. IGF2 has been shown to interact with IGFBP3 and transferrin.
