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Polypeptide growth factors are substances that stimulate an increase in cell size and/or cell number during embryonic development. In some cases, they have a similar effect on tissues in the mature organism where they function as 'maintenance' factors to sustain cell viability.
Soluble IGFBPs decrease IGF binding to the IGF-1R. IGFBPs can also increase IGF activity by associating with the cell surface. Thus the IGFBPs are important modulators of metabolism because of their ability to bind the IGFs with high affinity. In addition, IGFBP-3 is more than just a transporter. It also helps extend the life of somatomedin C in the blood and helps control its effects on body tissues.