GDF-8 (Myostatin): research overview
What is GDF-8
GDF-8, also known as myostatin, is a protein from the TGF-beta superfamily. Skeletal muscle cells produce it as a precursor, and the active form assembles as a dimer joined by disulfide bridges. Myostatin is one of the most studied regulators of muscle mass in the scientific literature.
The name GDF-8 stands for growth differentiation factor 8, while myostatin reflects the role the protein plays in muscle tissue, where it limits growth. Because it belongs to the same family as other signalling factors, researchers can study it alongside related pathways.
Mechanism described in research
Myostatin binds to type II activin receptors, mainly ActRIIB, and then triggers signalling through SMAD2 and SMAD3. Studies describe this pathway as a negative regulator of muscle cell growth.
Cell models have examined how myostatin affects the differentiation of myoblasts and satellite cells. Animal models in which myostatin or its receptors were altered showed a clear link between this pathway and muscle mass. That is why GDF-8 remains a reference point in research on the regulation of muscle tissue.
Research areas
- the ActRII pathway and SMAD2/3 signalling in cell models
- myoblast and satellite cell differentiation in vitro
- regulation of muscle mass in animal models
- interactions of myostatin with binding proteins, for example follistatin
- comparisons with other members of the TGF-beta superfamily
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | GDF-8 (myostatin) |
| Category | GH axis |
| Protein family | TGF-beta |
| Form | lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥ 99% (HPLC) |
| Molecular mass | confirmed by MS |
| Available pack sizes | 1 mg |
Working in the laboratory
Storage
- Lyophilized powder: -20 °C, tightly sealed, away from moisture and light.
- Reconstituted solution: 2-8 °C.
- Avoid repeated freezing and thawing. It is best to divide the solution into single-use aliquots.
Reconstitution
Water is the standard solvent in laboratory work. If the protein dissolves poorly in water, a small amount of acetic acid helps bring it into solution before the volume is made up with water. Convert your weight into a working concentration with the concentration calculator before you start.
Quality of every batch
Each batch is tested by HPLC, which confirms purity of at least 99%. Mass spectrometry (MS) confirms the molecular mass. The batch number ties both results to one specific delivery. Full details of our testing are on the quality page.
Ordering and delivery
- The 1 mg pack is in stock.
- Orders placed by 14:00 on a business day ship the same day.
- InPost lockers in Poland with next business day delivery, DPD across Europe in 2-4 business days.
- Free shipping from 75 EUR, 65 GBP or 80 USD.
- Quantity discounts apply automatically: 2 pieces -5%, 3 pieces -10%, 5 pieces -15%.
- Orders from 50 EUR (40 GBP, 55 USD) that include a peptide vial also receive 10 ml of bacteriostatic water free of charge.
See also
- Ipamorelin: a secretagogue from the same research axis
- Sermorelin: a GHRH analogue used in comparative research
- GHRP-6: a secretagogue in GH axis research
- GH axis category: all products in this research area
- Quality page: details of every batch analysis
- Concentration calculator: convert weight into solution concentration
