Insect-derived growth factor (IDGF) is the first adenosine deaminase-related growth factor (ADGF) purified from the conditioned medium of NIH-Sape-4, an embryonic cell line of Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh fly). Here we show the requirement of IDGF for the growth of NIH-Sape-4 cells. Growth factor activity was abolished by adsorption of IDGF from the conditioned medium of NIH-Sape-4 cells. In addition, knockdown of IDGF gene expression by RNA interference (RNAi) significantly reduced IDGF secretion from the cells following cell growth inhibition. The IDGF gene was strongly expressed in the hemocytes, and IDGF increased the viability of the larval hemocytes. These data provide evidence that IDGF is required for the growth of NIH-Sape-4 cells and possibly for hemocyte viability. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.