MSTN : myostatin
Description
The MSTN gene, also known as the myostatin gene, plays a critical role in regulating muscle growth and development. It encodes a protein called myostatin, which acts as a negative regulator of muscle mass. Myostatin inhibits muscle fiber growth and differentiation, effectively limiting the size and strength of muscles. Mutations or deficiencies in the MSTN gene can lead to increased muscle mass, a condition known as double muscling, observed in various animals. This gene‘s influence on muscle development has made it a target for research aimed at enhancing muscle growth in various contexts, including therapeutic applications for muscle wasting diseases.
Associated Diseases
- Muscular dystrophies
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cachexia (muscle wasting)
- Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
- Double muscling (in animals)
Did you know?
A rare genetic mutation in the MSTN gene leads to double muscling, a condition characterized by significantly increased muscle mass in certain breeds of cattle.
