Myostatin, also known as GDF-8, a conserved member of the TGF-β superfamily, is an essential regulator of skeletal muscle mass and cardiac muscle development and function. Myostatin is a secreted protein that negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth by determining muscle fiber number and size. Myostatin binds one of the two activin type II receptors (ACTRIIA, ACTRIIB) to activate SMAD signaling. Myostatin also activates MAPK signaling through TAK1-MKK6 and Ras pathways. Inhibition of myostatin increases muscle mass in a number of human disease animal models, such as muscular dystrophy.
GDF-8 acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. In addition to the expression in the musculoskeletal system, GDF-8 is also expressed in various tissues, including the reproductive system.
