Overview
Follistatin (FS-344) is a recombinant human glycoprotein and the primary circulating isoform of follistatin. It acts as a high-affinity binding protein that neutralizes myostatin (GDF-8) and other TGF-β superfamily members (activins, GDF-11, BMPs), thereby promoting muscle growth and inhibiting fibrosis. It is widely used in laboratory and preclinical research as a model compound to investigate myostatin/activin signaling, muscle hypertrophy, tissue regeneration, and fibrotic pathways in various in vitro and animal model systems.
Research Applications (Observational Data from Published Studies) The following points summarize observations reported in scientific literature from preclinical (in vitro/animal) and human studies and are provided solely for informational and research-planning purposes:
- Muscle Hypertrophy Research: In transgenic mice, non-human primates, and rodent gene-transfer models, Follistatin-344 administration dramatically increased skeletal muscle mass (up to doubling), fiber size, and strength via myostatin inhibition.
- Muscular Dystrophy Models: In mdx mice (Duchenne muscular dystrophy model), Follistatin-344 reduced muscle fibrosis, improved regeneration, enhanced grip strength, and prolonged lifespan.
- Anti-Fibrotic Effects: In models of liver, lung, kidney, and cardiac fibrosis, Follistatin-344 suppressed activin signaling, reduced collagen deposition, and attenuated progression of tissue scarring.
- Wound Healing and Regeneration Studies: In rodent skin wound and ischemic injury models, Follistatin-344 accelerated healing, promoted angiogenesis, and improved functional tissue recovery.
Important Legal Disclaimer For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, cosmetic, or food purposes. Not approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and institutional guidelines.
Chemical Information
- Sequence: 315 amino acids (human Follistatin-344; mature protein after signal peptide cleavage); most common research form is FS-315 or truncated FS-288/FS-344 produced recombinantly
- Common Name: Follistatin-344, FS-344, FST
- Molecular Formula: Complex glycoprotein (variable due to glycosylation)
- Molecular Weight: ~34–38 kDa (core protein ~31–35 kDa + glycosylation)
- CAS Number: 177968-84-8 (recombinant human Follistatin)
- PubChem CID: 178101 (human Follistatin)
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