GDF-8

Description

Myostatin (GDF-8), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of growth and differentiation factors, is most well-known as a potent suppressor of muscle growth, development, and regeneration. It is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, and myostatin loss-of-function leads to doubling skeletal muscle mass. Mice lacking myostatin show a significant increase in muscle mass, and congenital absence of myostatin is associated with increased muscle mass in humans and dogs. It has also been shown that factors which inhibit myostatin, such as follistatin, can improve muscle regeneration and decrease fibrosis in injured muscles[1].

References

[1] Mark W Hamrick. “Recombinant myostatin (GDF-8) propeptide enhances the repair and regeneration of both muscle and bone in a model of deep penetrant musculoskeletal injury.” Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection and Critical Care 69 3 (2010): 579–83.