Pro/Latent Myostatin Specific Neutra™ Antibody Products

Myostatin, commonly referred to as Growth Differentiation Factor 8 (GDF8), is a protein encoded by the MSTN gene. It belongs to the TGF-β superfamily and regulates skeletal muscle growth and development. Myostatin is primarily expressed in skeletal muscle tissue and works as a negative regulator of muscle mass by inhibiting myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Its structure consists of a signal peptide, propeptide, and mature region. Dysregulation of myostatin expression is associated with conditions like muscle wasting disorders and obesity, making it a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing muscle growth and strength.

Its Gene ID: 2660, UniProtKB ID: O14793, and OMIM ID: 601788.

Myostatin Activation Mechanism

Pro-myostatin is synthesized as a precursor protein containing a signal peptide, a propeptide, and a mature myostatin region. Upon translation, the signal peptide is cleaved, forming latent myostatin, consisting of the propeptide and the mature region. Latent myostatin remains inactive until further processing occurs. Activation typically involves proteolytic cleavage of the propeptide by specific proteases, such as furin-like convertases, releasing the mature active form of myostatin. This activation mechanism ensures tight regulation of myostatin activity, allowing for precise control of skeletal muscle growth and development.

Myostatin Signaling

The mature myostatin can bind to its cell surface receptors, including ActRIIA, ActRIIB, and ALK4/5. Upon binding, myostatin triggers downstream signaling cascades that involve Smad transcription factors, specifically Smad2 and Smad3. Activated Smads translocate to the nucleus and regulate the expression of target genes involved in muscle cell proliferation, differentiation, and hypertrophy. Myostatin signaling also intersects with other pathways like PI3K/Akt and MAPK, influencing protein synthesis, cell survival, and metabolism. The overall function of myostatin signaling is to negatively regulate muscle mass by inhibiting myoblast proliferation and differentiation, thereby controlling muscle size and strength. Dysregulation of myostatin signaling can lead to conditions characterized by abnormal muscle growth or wasting, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating muscle mass and function in various pathological conditions.

Fig.1 Myostatin signaling pathway.¹

Antibodies Targeting Myostatin

Neutralizing antibodies targeting myostatin have shown potential for modulating muscle growth and addressing muscle-related disorders. By specifically binding to myostatin, these antibodies prevent its activation, thereby blocking its negative regulatory effects on muscle mass. Multiple studies have demonstrated their efficacy in promoting muscle hypertrophy, improving muscle regeneration, and ameliorating muscle wasting conditions such as muscular dystrophy and cachexia. Related research has also highlighted the ability of anti-myostatin antibodies to enhance muscle mass and improve muscle strength and contractility in animal models, indicating their therapeutic promise.

Fig.2 Various approaches used in myostatin inhibition, including anti-myostatin antibody.²

Creative Biolabs offers high-quality anti-pro/latent myostatin antibody products that can be used in several applications to assist you in effectively completing your research projects.

REFERENCES

1. Salemi, Souzan, et al. "Myostatin Overexpression and Smad Pathway in Detrusor Derived from Pediatric Patients with End-Stage Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24.5 (2023): 4462. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
2. Saitoh, Masakazu, et al. "Myostatin inhibitors as pharmacological treatment for muscle wasting and muscular dystrophy." JCSM Clinical Reports 2.1 (2017): 1-10. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0. The image was modified by extracting and using only part of the original image.