This recombinant Follistatin 344 protein is a premier-grade reagent designed for scientists and researchers at the vanguard of myology (the study of muscle), endocrinology, and developmental biology. The regulation of skeletal muscle mass is a complex process governed by a delicate balance of positive and negative signals. For decades, the protein myostatin (GDF-8) has been identified as the primary negative regulator—a molecular “brake” that actively limits muscle growth. Follistatin is its principal and most potent natural antagonist.
By providing a highly purified and bioactive form of the full-length 344 amino acid isoform of human Follistatin, we empower researchers to explore what happens when this molecular brake is released. This product is an indispensable tool for investigating the mechanisms of muscle growth and for preclinical research into conditions characterized by severe muscle loss, such as cachexia, sarcopenia, and muscular dystrophies.
The Scientific Power of Our Recombinant Follistatin 344 Protein
The integrity of complex biological research depends entirely on the quality of the proteins used. Our recombinant Follistatin 344 protein is produced and purified under the strictest quality control standards to ensure high purity, proper folding, and optimal biological activity, ensuring your experimental results are both valid and reproducible.
Primary Mechanism: Potent Myostatin and Activin Inhibition
Follistatin exerts its powerful effects primarily by binding to and neutralizing members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of proteins.
Myostatin Sequestration: The most studied function of Follistatin 344 is its high-affinity binding to myostatin. By sequestering myostatin, Follistatin prevents it from binding to its cognate receptor, the Activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB), on muscle cells. This action effectively lifts the inhibitory signal, permitting muscle precursor cells (satellite cells) to proliferate and differentiate, leading to skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Activin Neutralization: Follistatin also binds and neutralizes activin, another member of the TGF-β family. Activin has diverse roles, including regulating the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. Research using our recombinant Follistatin 344 protein can therefore also delve into the endocrine effects of this regulatory pathway.
Applications in Myostatin-Related Research
The unique mechanism of Follistatin 344 makes it a vital compound for a range of research applications:
Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: It is the definitive tool for studying the maximum genetic potential for muscle growth in various cell culture and in-vivo models.
Muscle Wasting Disorders: It is used extensively in preclinical models of cachexia (muscle wasting associated with chronic diseases like cancer), sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), and muscular dystrophies to investigate whether myostatin inhibition can preserve muscle mass and function.
Cellular Differentiation: Researchers use Follistatin to study the signaling cascades that control the differentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.
Quality Assurance for High-Impact Protein Research
Producing a large, complex glycoprotein like Follistatin 344 requires advanced biochemical techniques to ensure its activity and purity.
Recombinant Expression: Our recombinant Follistatin 344 protein is expressed in a stable mammalian cell line (e.g., CHO or HEK293 cells) to ensure proper post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, which are critical for its biological activity and stability.
Chromatographic Purification: The protein is purified using multi-step chromatographic techniques to achieve a purity of >95%, as verified by SDS-PAGE.
Lyophilization for Stability: The final product is lyophilized (freeze-dried) from a sterile-filtered solution to ensure maximum stability and a long shelf-life during shipping and storage.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Follistatin 344?
Follistatin 344 (FS344) is the full-length, 344 amino acid isoform of the human glycoprotein Follistatin. It is a naturally occurring protein that is a potent inhibitor of myostatin and other members of the TGF-β superfamily, making it a key subject of research in muscle biology.
How does Follistatin 344 work as a myostatin inhibitor?
Follistatin 344 binds directly to the myostatin protein with high affinity. This binding action prevents myostatin from interacting with its receptor on muscle cells, thereby removing the natural “stop” signal that normally limits muscle growth and allowing for hypertrophy.
What is the purity of your protein, and how is it verified?
Our recombinant Follistatin 344 protein is guaranteed to have a purity of greater than 95%. This is verified for every batch by SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis), and the results are available on the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
What is the source of your recombinant protein?
To ensure proper protein folding and essential post-translational modifications like glycosylation, our Follistatin 344 is expressed in a well-characterized mammalian cell expression system.
What are the recommended storage and reconstitution procedures?
The lyophilized (freeze-dried) protein is stable at room temperature for short periods but should be stored long-term at -20°C. After reconstitution with sterile water or an appropriate buffer, the solution should be aliquoted to avoid freeze-thaw cycles and stored at -20°C or below.
Is this product intended for human use or as a performance enhancer?
Absolutely not. This product is a highly specialized chemical for laboratory research purposes only. Its use in humans is unsafe and illegal. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is strictly forbidden for use as an athletic performance enhancer.
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