The mechanism in which CTCF binds to these regions is currently unknown, but could include either a direct DNA-CTCF interaction or it could possibly be mediated by other proteins.

Proteolytic processing removes the signal peptide and the propeptide to generate the mature hormone (amino acids 25-91).

[citation needed] IGF-2 promotes granulosa cell proliferation during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, acting alongside follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).

[10] After ovulation has occurred, IGF-2 promotes progesterone secretion during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, together with luteinizing hormone (LH).

[12] A study at the European Neuroscience Institute-Goettingen (Germany) found that fear extinction-induced IGF-2/IGFBP7 signalling promotes the survival of 17- to 19-day-old newborn hippocampal neurons.

This suggests that therapeutic strategies that enhance IGF-2 signalling and adult neurogenesis might be suitable to treat diseases linked to excessive fear memory such as PTSD.

[13] Preptin, a 34-aa peptide hormone produced by the pancreas, kidneys, breast tissues, and salivary glands, is derived from proteolytic cleavage of IGF-2 proprotein.

It has an anabolic impact on bone growth and exhibits osteogenic properties, increasing osteoblast mitogenic activity through phosphoactivation of MAPK1 and MAPK3.