Follistatin 344

Follistatin 344 (FST-344) is a full-length, naturally occurring glycoprotein isoform that functions as a high-affinity extracellular binding protein for select members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Originally identified for its capacity to suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, it is most widely studied for its ability to bind and neutralize activins and myostatin, two secreted growth factors involved in the regulation of cellular growth, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. By sequestering these ligands extracellularly, Follistatin 344 modulates downstream SMAD-dependent signaling cascades and the Akt/mTOR protein synthesis pathway. Research applications span skeletal muscle biology, reproductive endocrinology, neuromuscular disease modeling, and metabolic physiology. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research use only and is not intended for human consumption.

Chemical Structure and Identification

• Molecular Formula: C₁₃₅₀H₂₁₅₃N₄₀₅O₄₃₃S₃₉
• Molecular Weight: 3,780 g/mol
• CAS Number: 80449-31-6 PubChem

Research Applications

• Skeletal Muscle Biology: Investigation of follistatin’s role in myostatin inhibition, satellite cell proliferation, and skeletal muscle hypertrophy via Smad3 and mTOR signaling pathways in preclinical models [1]
• Neuromuscular Disease Modeling: Examination of follistatin-mediated muscle preservation and neuromuscular junction improvements in aged and dystrophic animal models, including mdx and Pompe disease mice [2]
• Reproductive Endocrinology: Study of follistatin’s regulation of the activin-inhibin axis, FSH secretion, folliculogenesis, and granulosa cell function in ovarian biology research [3]
• Gene Therapy Research: Use of FST-344 constructs in AAV-mediated gene delivery studies targeting muscle diseases including Becker muscular dystrophy, with documented preclinical and early clinical translation [4]

Reference Citations

1. Winbanks CE et al. (2012) – J Cell Biol | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3384410/
2. Beastrom N et al. (2021) – Aging Cell | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8225567/
3. Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM (2016) – Hum Reprod Update | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26884470/
4. Kota J et al. (2009) – Sci Transl Med | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20368179/

Important Regulatory Notice

These products are for research use only and are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. All compounds described herein have not been approved by the FDA for human use. These products are strictly intended for in vitro laboratory research and analytical purposes when conducted by qualified research professionals in licensed facilities. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws regarding purchase and use of these materials.