Follistatin 344 is a naturally occurring glycoprotein that functions as a potent inhibitor of myostatin, activins, and other TGF-β superfamily members. The "344" refers to the full-length 344 amino acid isoform, which is the most common circulating form. Follistatin binds directly to myostatin and activins, neutralizing their muscle-inhibiting effects and allowing increased muscle growth and strength. Unlike myostatin antibodies, follistatin has a broader mechanism affecting multiple negative regulators of muscle growth. Gene therapy approaches using follistatin have shown promise in muscular dystrophy models, and it is of significant interest in muscle wasting conditions and performance enhancement research.
Key Data
Mechanism of Action
Binds and neutralizes myostatin, activin, and other muscle growth inhibitors.
Reported Benefits
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.