The dorsalizing and neural inducing gene follistatin is an antagonist of BMP-4.
The study demonstrated that follistatin antagonizes BMP-4 activity in Xenopus embryos, promoting neural differentiation and blocking BMP-4's ventralizing effects.
FST-344 · Follistatin
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.
Not applicable
Poor bioavailability
Pharmacokinetic data is limited, and half-life may vary based on administration route.
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.
4,013
Total Citations
26
Human/RCT
3.2
Avg. Influence
2024
Latest
The study demonstrated that follistatin antagonizes BMP-4 activity in Xenopus embryos, promoting neural differentiation and blocking BMP-4's ventralizing effects.
The review highlighted follistatin's multifunctional role in regulating activin and its implications in various biological processes across reproductive and non-reproductive systems.
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.
Researchers observed that follistatin promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy through Smad3 and mTOR signaling pathways independently of myostatin.
The study demonstrated that follistatin can inhibit myostatin, leading to increased muscle mass and strength without adverse reproductive effects in animal models.
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.
The study demonstrated that activin A and follistatin are involved in the inflammatory process, with activin A being released early during acute systemic inflammation.
Researchers observed that follistatin modulates the biology of TGF-beta superfamily members, influencing ovarian function and interactions with growth factors.
The study demonstrated that the liver is a major source of circulating follistatin in humans, regulated by the glucagon-to-insulin ratio.
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.
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.
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.
🇩🇪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.
Publications per Year
50 total| Vendor | Amount | Price | Price/mg | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BESTRCpeptidesEU | 5mg | $243.00 | $48.60/mg | |
Research Peptides UKUK | 1mg | $50.74 | $50.74/mg | |
Geo PeptidesUS | 1mg | $50.99 | $50.99/mg | |
RCpeptidesEU | 1mg | $81.00 | $81.00/mg | |
Progen PeptidesUS | 1mg | $84.69 | $84.69/mg |
Top 5 of 18 offers from 15 vendors. Prices updated daily.
See all Follistatin 344 pricesLog your research cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.
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