Immunochemical and structural characteristics of IGF-1 correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Authors

  • Luís Guilherme Espinosa e Souza Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais do Pontal, Ituiutaba, MG, Brasil
  • Luciana Karen Calábria Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais do Pontal, Ituiutaba, MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0500-0232

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20873/2025_abr_18043%20

Abstract

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a protein involved in cell growth and division, playing a role in the maintenance of numerous tissues and the regulation of metabolism. Primarily, it is produced by its precursor in the liver. Given the importance of its physiological characteristics, the emphasis of this study was to elucidate the main molecular features of IGF-1, investigate its immunochemical aspects, and its association with the immune system during COVID-19 infection, aiming to understand its involved signaling pathways. Based on the genetic and biochemical characteristics identified in silico through computational biology tools and specialized literature review, and correlated with physiological aspects in the context of COVID-19, it was possible to highlight its differential expression in organs, tissues, and cells, as well as critical regions within its structure revealing post-translational modifications with implications for regulation and potential protein disorder. This raises new perspectives on its conformation and how it may affect the interactions with transcription factors. However, it underscores the significance of basic research data derived from computational biology, which will provide a foundation for future studies with practical applications in the fields of Biological and Medical Sciences.

Author Biographies

Luís Guilherme Espinosa e Souza, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais do Pontal, Ituiutaba, MG, Brasil

Graduando em Ciências Biológicas pela UFU.

Luciana Karen Calábria, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais do Pontal, Ituiutaba, MG, Brasil

Docente e Pesquisadora no Laboratório de Bioquímica e Genética do ICENP/UFU.
Doutora e mestre em Bioquímica, com pós-doutorado em Biouímica Clínica.

Published

2025-04-26

How to Cite

Espinosa e Souza, L. G., & Karen Calábria, L. (2025). Immunochemical and structural characteristics of IGF-1 correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESAFIOS - Revista Interdisciplinar Da Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, 12(3), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.20873/2025_abr_18043