Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), along with several other insulin-like peptides, belongs to an evolutionarily conserved family of signalling molecules essential for normal cell proliferation and brain development. Previous studies have mainly focused on its role in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. In recent years, new insights revealed the role of IGF2 in the central nervous system, particularly its importance in learning, memory consolidation and enhancement. Despite the still not fully explored physiological role of IGF2, in this article we aim to describe and explain its known functions in more detail and discuss its potential uses, including its possible application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.