ActoFactor™ Recombinant Human Myostatin

Myostatin (GDF8, MSTN) belongs to the transforming growth factor β (TGFBs) superfamily, which includes: TGF-βs, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growth differentiation factors (GDFs), activins and inhibins. As other members of this superfamily, it is synthesized and secreted as a homodimeric prepropeptide that is cleaved by proprotein convertases such as furin to generate the dimeric N- terminal propeptide and the dimeric C-terminal mature active protein. Myostatin is one of the most important proteins that controls myoblast proliferation and it is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass in a number of animal species. Several studies have shown that Myostatin could play an important role in cardiac development and physiology. Genetic deletion of Myostatin or in vivo administration of the Myostatin propeptide induces muscle hypertrophy as well as enhanced glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity and a reduction in overall fat mass.