Follistatin is a glycoprotein that exists in multiple isoforms, primarily Follistatin-288 (FS-288) and Follistatin-315 (FS-315), which differ in their ability to bind heparin and cell surface proteoglycans. The recombinant mouse Follistatin used in research is often derived from the Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf 21) cell line using baculovirus expression systems .
The primary function of Follistatin is to bind and neutralize members of the TGF-β superfamily, particularly activins. By inhibiting activins, Follistatin regulates various physiological processes, including muscle growth, inflammation, and reproductive functions .
Muscle Growth: Follistatin has gained significant attention for its role in muscle development. It inhibits myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth, thereby promoting muscle hypertrophy. This property makes Follistatin a potential therapeutic target for muscle-wasting diseases.
Reproductive Health: Follistatin is involved in the regulation of reproductive hormones. By inhibiting activins, it modulates the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is essential for reproductive health.
Inflammation and Wound Healing: Follistatin also plays a role in modulating inflammatory responses and promoting wound healing. Its ability to bind and neutralize activins helps in controlling inflammation and tissue repair processes.
Recombinant mouse Follistatin is widely used in research to study its various biological functions and potential therapeutic applications. It is utilized in experiments involving muscle growth, reproductive health, and inflammatory responses. The recombinant protein is typically produced in a carrier-free form to avoid interference from other proteins, ensuring accurate and reliable results in experimental settings .