Recombinant Mouse Growth/Differentiation Factor 8 (Mstn), N-His

Mouse Growth/Differentiation Factor 8 (Mstn), also known as Myostatin, is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth and size. It was first identified by McPherron and Lee in 1997. Mstn binds to the activin receptor type II (ActRII) or IIb (ActRIIb) and recruits Alk3 or Alk4 as coreceptors, activating the canonical TGF-β signaling pathway through SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. Mstn inhibits muscle stem cell proliferation and differentiation, reducing muscle fiber protein accumulation and resulting in decreased skeletal muscle mass. In mouse models, Mstn-deficient mice exhibit significant muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Mstn is also implicated in cardiac function, maintaining energy homeostasis and preventing ventricular hypertrophy. Additionally, Mstn levels are elevated in conditions such as cancer, chronic renal disease, and heart failure, where it contributes to muscle atrophy.