Study summary · research use only
Follistatin
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review discusses follistatin, a secreted protein able to bind and neutralise many members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta family. The abstract states follistatin was first implicated in regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion in the pituitary and subsequently in other reproductive regions, and that it is now known to be more broadly distributed and possibly important during embryogenesis. Gene targeting is reported to show follistatin is essential for normal development, with mice dying soon after birth in its absence, showing insufficient muscle development and skeletal abnormalities. The authors note that some diseases are thought to be caused by over-production of Transforming Growth Factor-beta family members and suggest follistatin may be usable as a therapeutic agent in such disorders.
Abstract
Follistatin, a secreted protein is able to bind and neutralise the actions of many members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta family of proteins. Follistatin was first implicated in the regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion in the pituitary and subsequently in other regions of the adult body associated with reproductive functions. Recent work has shown that this protein is much more broadly distributed and may also play a significant role during embryogenesis. Gene targetting has shown that follistatin is essential for normal development and in its absence, mice die soon after birth with a range of defects including insufficient muscle development and skeletal abnormalities. A number of diseases have been identified thought to be caused by an over-production of members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta family of proteins. Therefore it may be possible to use follistatin as a therapeutic agent in these disorders.
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