Does myostatin build muscle?

Myostatin itself limits muscle growth; the goal in this research category is to inhibit or neutralize myostatin so its growth-suppressing signal is reduced.

How do myostatin inhibitors relate to follistatin?

Follistatin is an endogenous antagonist that binds and neutralizes myostatin and related ligands, so follistatin-based products are one strategy for lowering effective myostatin activity.

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Muscle Growth

Research Chemical

Myostatin

Also known as: Myostatin, GDF-8 Inhibitor

Myostatin (GDF-8) is a naturally occurring protein that limits skeletal muscle growth. In the research and peptide market the term commonly refers to myostatin-inhibitor compounds intended to block this growth-limiting signal. Note: Myostatin (GDF-8) is a protein that LIMITS muscle growth; research interest centers on inhibiting it, not administering it.

Mechanism of Action

Myostatin is a TGF-beta superfamily member secreted by muscle that binds the activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB), recruiting ALK4/ALK5 type I receptors and phosphorylating SMAD2/3 to suppress myoblast proliferation and muscle fiber hypertrophy. Loss of functional myostatin, as seen in certain double-muscled animal phenotypes, produces dramatic muscle overgrowth. Myostatin-inhibitor research compounds aim to antagonize the ligand or its receptor, releasing the SMAD-mediated brake and allowing increased muscle protein synthesis and satellite-cell activity.

Half-life: Varies by inhibitor format; small-molecule and peptide forms range from hours to days
Administration Routes: subcutaneous
Research Status: Research Chemical