Key Points about Myostatin (MSTN/GDF-8):

Protein Characteristics

• TGF-beta superfamily member
• 375 amino acid prepropeptide
• Primarily expressed in skeletal muscle

Biological Function

• Negative muscle mass regulator
• Inhibits muscle cell differentiation
• Controls muscle fiber size
• Modulates metabolism

Mechanism of Action

• Binds to ActRIIB receptor
• Triggers SMAD transcription factors
• Regulates muscle-specific gene expression

Clinical Significance

• Natural mutations enhance muscle growth
• Observed in humans and animals

Therapeutic Potential

• Muscle wasting conditions treatment
• Muscular dystrophy
• Sarcopenia
• Metabolic disorder management

Research Directions

• Myostatin inhibitors
• Anti-myostatin antibodies
• Gene therapy
• Personalized medicine approaches

Myostatin plays a critical role in muscle growth regulation, with significant implications for medical and agricultural applications.