Myostatin (GDF-8, Growth Differentiation Factor 8) is a member of the TGF-β superfamily secreted primarily by skeletal muscle cells as a negative regulator of muscle mass. It binds ActRII/ActRIIB receptors to activate SMAD2/3 signalling, suppressing satellite cell activation, muscle fibre hypertrophy, and protein synthesis. Naturally, myostatin limits muscle growth as a homeostatic brake. Recombinant GDF-8 is used as a positive control and reference ligand for myostatin pathway research — validating Follistatin-344, ACE-031, anti-myostatin antibody, and SMAD2/3 inhibitor experiments.
Research Applications
Myostatin Pathway Reference
Positive control for ActRIIB receptor activation in SMAD2/3 signalling research
FST-344 Validation
Confirms follistatin antagonism when added in competition assays
SMAD2/3 Signalling
TGF-β downstream pathway activation and transcription factor research
Sarcopenia Models
Recapitulates age-related myostatin upregulation in muscle wasting models
Drug Development Reference
Benchmark ligand for anti-myostatin antibody and inhibitor screening
Recombinant GDF-8 (myostatin) is used as a reference ligand and positive control for myostatin pathway research. It validates that ActRIIB receptors and SMAD2/3 signalling are functional, confirms antagonist potency in FST-344 or anti-myostatin experiments, and recapitulates the endogenous myostatin brake in muscle wasting models.
How is GDF-8 reconstituted?
Add 1–2mL bacteriostatic water to the lyophilized GDF-8 vial. Swirl very gently — do not shake. Myostatin is a disulfide-bonded homodimer that can aggregate under mechanical stress. Allow 5–10 minutes for full dissolution. Store at 2–8°C for up to 7 days; avoid freeze-thaw.
What purity is QSC recombinant GDF-8?
QSC GDF-8 (Myostatin) is ≥99% HPLC pure with MS-confirmed homodimer identity on every batch. COA verifiable at verify.janoshik.com.
Research Use Only: All QSC compounds are sold strictly for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or any other application. Researchers are responsible for compliance with local regulations.
QSC Network
Compound reference, COA verification, and regional warehouse information across the QSC network.
