Plasmid-Mediated IGF-1 Expression Accelerates Muscle Cell Recovery in an In Vitro Injury Model
Justin Nam
Seoul International School, Seongnam, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
Seoul International School, Seongnam, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2026I05
ABSTRACT
Muscle injury requires efficient repair, and effective regeneration depends on coordinated muscle cell migration and proliferation to restore damaged tissues. This study aimed to determine whether plasmid-mediated IGF1 expression enhances muscle cell recovery in an in vitro scratch injury model. MyoB skeletal muscle cells were transfected with an IGF1 plasmid and compared to a Lipofectamine only control group. Wound healing assessments were performed at 48h and 72h with ImageJ based quantification. IGF1 overexpression was validated by PCR and RT-qPCR, and live cell number and morphology were assessed to evaluate proliferation and cytotoxicity. IGF-1 transfection significantly increased wound closure at 48h (51.4% vs 24%, p = 0.0449) and 72h (92.1% vs 38.1%, p = 0.0291) compared to control. RT-qPCR confirmed around 4-5 fold upregulation of IGF1 mRNA (p < 0.01). Live cell number increased to approximately 120-130% relative to around 100% in control (p=0.021), with normal morphology and no signs of cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that IGF1 plasmid delivery accelerates muscle cell recovery in vitro, supporting the potential of gene-based strategies for muscle regeneration, although in vitro models may not fully represent in vivo injury conditions.
Muscle injury requires efficient repair, and effective regeneration depends on coordinated muscle cell migration and proliferation to restore damaged tissues. This study aimed to determine whether plasmid-mediated IGF1 expression enhances muscle cell recovery in an in vitro scratch injury model. MyoB skeletal muscle cells were transfected with an IGF1 plasmid and compared to a Lipofectamine only control group. Wound healing assessments were performed at 48h and 72h with ImageJ based quantification. IGF1 overexpression was validated by PCR and RT-qPCR, and live cell number and morphology were assessed to evaluate proliferation and cytotoxicity. IGF-1 transfection significantly increased wound closure at 48h (51.4% vs 24%, p = 0.0449) and 72h (92.1% vs 38.1%, p = 0.0291) compared to control. RT-qPCR confirmed around 4-5 fold upregulation of IGF1 mRNA (p < 0.01). Live cell number increased to approximately 120-130% relative to around 100% in control (p=0.021), with normal morphology and no signs of cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that IGF1 plasmid delivery accelerates muscle cell recovery in vitro, supporting the potential of gene-based strategies for muscle regeneration, although in vitro models may not fully represent in vivo injury conditions.
