Myostatin

Myostatin (also known as GDF-8) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MSTN gene. Myostatin is a secreted growth differentiation factor that is a member of the TGF beta protein family.

Function

Myostatin is produced primarily in skeletal muscle cells, circulates in the blood and acts on muscle tissue, by binding a cell-bound receptor called the activin type II receptor. Myostatin can inhibit muscle cell growth and differentiation, thereby playing a crucial role in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the gene encoding myostatin can lead to increased muscle mass in mammals. This has been observed in certain breeds of cattle, in mice, and in humans. In humans, a mutation in the myostatin gene resulting in a loss of myostatin function is associated with an increase in muscle mass and strength.

Research

Research into myostatin and the myostatin gene has potential therapeutic applications in treating muscle wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy. Inhibition of myostatin, either through gene knockout or by increasing the amount of follistatin, which binds and inhibits myostatin, has been shown to increase muscle mass in mice.

See also

• Muscle hypertrophy
• Gene doping
• Growth differentiation factor