Mstn
Developmental stage
First detected 9.5 dpc in one-third of developing somites. At 10.5 dpc, expressed in the myotome compartment of somites. At later stages of development, detected in a wide range of developing muscles. Expression continues in adulthood.
Function
Acts specifically as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth.
Post-translational modifications
Synthesized as large precursor molecule that undergoes proteolytic cleavage to generate an N-terminal propeptide and a disulfide linked C-terminal dimer, which is the biologically active molecule. The circulating form consists of a latent complex of the C-terminal dimer and other proteins, including its propeptide, which maintain the C-terminal dimer in a latent, inactive state. Ligand activation requires additional cleavage of the prodomain by a tolloid-like metalloproteinase (PubMed:14671324).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the TGF-beta family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed specifically in developing and adult skeletal muscle. Weak expression in adipose tissue.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Gdf8, Mstn, Growth/differentiation factor 8, GDF-8, Myostatin