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Follistatin 344

FST-344 · Follistatin

IGF Axis & MusclePreclinical
From$48.60/mgCompare prices

Follistatin 344 (FS344) is a peptide derived from the follistatin protein, known for its ability to bind and inhibit members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta superfamily, particularly myostatin, which regulates muscle growth. Researchers primarily study FS344 for its potential role in enhancing muscle mass and recovery in various contexts, including sports medicine and livestock development. Key findings indicate that transgenic expression of follistatin in pigs leads to significant increases in skeletal muscle mass and reduced body fat, while studies on athletes have linked high-dose FS344 injections to adverse effects such as central serous chorioretinopathy. Current research status reveals a growing interest in the pharmacological mechanisms and safety profiles of FS344, especially amid concerns regarding its unregulated use in athletic performance enhancement.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Half-Life

INIntranasal

Not applicable

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Pharmacokinetic data is limited, and half-life may vary based on administration route.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Follistatin 344 (FS344) primarily functions as a myostatin inhibitor by binding to and neutralizing myostatin, a member of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) family, thereby preventing its interaction with the Activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB). This inhibition leads to the activation of the Akt signaling pathway, promoting myofiber hypertrophy and muscle growth while simultaneously reducing Smad2 phosphorylation, which is associated with myostatin signaling. Although the complete mechanism of action of FS344 is not fully understood, its role in muscle development and potential therapeutic applications in muscle-wasting conditions is well-supported by evidence.

Research

90 Research Publications

4,013

Total Citations

26

Human/RCT

3.2

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

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#01

The dorsalizing and neural inducing gene follistatin is an antagonist of BMP-4.

In VitroInfluence19.0
400
The study demonstrated that follistatin antagonizes BMP-4 activity in Xenopus embryos, promoting neural differentiation and blocking BMP-4's ventralizing effects.
PubMed
#02

Follistatin: a multifunctional regulatory protein.

ReviewInfluence9.0
281
The review highlighted follistatin's multifunctional role in regulating activin and its implications in various biological processes across reproductive and non-reproductive systems.
PubMed
#03

The Role of Exercise in the Interplay between Myokines, Hepatokines, Osteokines, Adipokines, and Modulation of Inflammation for Energy Substrate Redistribution and Fat Mass Loss: A Review.

ReviewInfluence9.0
246
The review emphasized the importance of exercise-induced factors, including follistatin, in mediating metabolic responses and reducing inflammation during weight loss and fat mass reduction.
PubMed
#04

Follistatin-mediated skeletal muscle hypertrophy is regulated by Smad3 and mTOR independently of myostatin.

In VitroInfluence13.0
208
Researchers observed that follistatin promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy through Smad3 and mTOR signaling pathways independently of myostatin.
PubMed
#05

Inhibition of myostatin with emphasis on follistatin as a therapy for muscle disease.

AnimalInfluence6.0
200
The study demonstrated that follistatin can inhibit myostatin, leading to increased muscle mass and strength without adverse reproductive effects in animal models.
PubMed
#06

Roles of inhibins, activins, and follistatin in the female reproductive system.

ReviewInfluence5.0
161
The study demonstrated that inhibins, activins, and follistatin play significant roles as local regulators in the female reproductive system and are involved in early embryogenesis.
PubMed
#07

Activin A and follistatin in systemic inflammation.

ReviewInfluence7.0
138
The study demonstrated that activin A and follistatin are involved in the inflammatory process, with activin A being released early during acute systemic inflammation.
PubMed
#08

Regulation of ovarian function by the TGF-beta superfamily and follistatin.

ReviewInfluence4.0
126
Researchers observed that follistatin modulates the biology of TGF-beta superfamily members, influencing ovarian function and interactions with growth factors.
PubMed
#09

Circulating Follistatin Is Liver-Derived and Regulated by the Glucagon-to-Insulin Ratio.

HumanInfluence5.0
114
The study demonstrated that the liver is a major source of circulating follistatin in humans, regulated by the glucagon-to-insulin ratio.
PubMed
#10

Follistatin and noggin are excluded from the zebrafish organizer.

AnimalInfluence7.0
109
Researchers observed that zebrafish follistatin and noggin are not expressed in the organizer region but may function as BMP antagonists in later stages of dorsoventral patterning.
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No comprehensive randomized controlled trials in humans have been conducted to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of follistatin-344, particularly regarding its potential side effects and the risk of conditions like central serous chorioretinopathy. Additionally, the precise molecular mechanisms by which follistatin-344 influences muscle growth and its interactions with other signaling pathways remain poorly understood.

Solubility

Follistatin 344 is soluble in water and aqueous buffers but has limited solubility in organic solvents like acetonitrile and DMSO.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA for clinical use. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Not scheduled by the TGA.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA for medicinal use.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

50 total
1
90
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92
1
93
2
96
1
97
3
98
2
01
1
02
1
03
3
04
1
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1
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1
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1
08
2
11
2
12
1
14
3
16
1
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3
19
5
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7
23
3
25
1
26
Pricing

Price Comparison

  • BESTRCpeptidesEU
    5mg
    $243.00
    Price/mg
    $48.60/mg
  • Research Peptides UKUK
    1mg
    $50.74
    Price/mg
    $50.74/mg
  • Geo PeptidesUS
    1mg
    $50.99
    Price/mg
    $50.99/mg
  • RCpeptidesEU
    1mg
    $81.00
    Price/mg
    $81.00/mg
  • Progen PeptidesUS
    1mg
    $84.69
    Price/mg
    $84.69/mg

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer