GDF-8

Myostatin (GDF-8), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of growth and differentiation factors, is most well-known as a potent suppressor of muscle growth, development, and regeneration. It is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, and myostatin loss-of-function leads to doubling skeletal muscle mass. Mice lacking myostatin show a significant increase in muscle mass, and congenital absence of myostatin is associated with increased muscle mass in humans and dogs. It has also been shown that factors which inhibit myostatin, such as follistatin, can improve muscle regeneration and decrease fibrosis in injured muscles[1].

Myostatin (GDF-8) is a secreted protein that is a potent inhibitor of muscle growth and development, whereas GDF-8 is also expressed early in the fracture healing process. Thus, blocking GDF-8 signalling in the injured limb improves fracture healing and promotes muscle regeneration. These data suggest that GDF-8 inhibitors may be effective in improving wound repair in orthopaedic trauma and extremity injuries.