Anti-Myostatin (Growth Differentiation Factor 8, MSTN, gdf8)

Growth Differentiation Factor 8 (GDF­8), also known as Myostatin, is a secreted TGF­beta superfamily protein that is expressed specifically in developing and adult skeletal muscle. It controls myoblast proliferation and is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass). Mouse GDF­8 is synthesized as a 376 amino acid (aa) preproprotein that consists of a 24 aa signal peptide, a 243 aa propeptide, and a 109 aa mature protein (2). Within the propeptide, mouse GDF­8 shares 96% and 99% aa sequence identity with human and rat GDF­8, respectively. GDF­8 is secreted as a preproprotein that is cleaved by BMP­1 family proteases to separate the 35­40 kDa propeptide from the 12 kDa bioactive mature protein (4­6). This results in a latent complex containing a disulfide­linked dimer of the mature protein and two noncovalently­associated molecules of the propeptide (2, 6). The GDF­8 propeptide functions as an inhibitor of mature GDF­8, and GDF­8 activity can also be inhibited through association with Follistatin, FLRG, Decorin, or GASP­1 (6­-9), Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot and ELISA. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilutions: Western Blot: 1ug/ml , Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months after receipt at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile PBS. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.