A myostatin-binding protein that promotes muscle growth by inhibiting myostatin's limiting effects on muscle development.
Follistatin is a glycoprotein primarily produced in the liver and found in most body tissues. Different forms exist, including Follistatin 344 (FS-344) used in gene therapy, and Follistatin 315, the main circulating form that primarily targets muscle tissue.
Follistatin blocks the action of activins, myostatin, GDF-11, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Its effects on muscle growth are primarily due to myostatin inhibition. Follistatin increases in muscle tissue in response to damage and promotes cell growth throughout the body.