Mouse GDF8 / Myostatin protein, His tag

This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer. This protein negatively regulates skeletal muscle cell proliferation and differentiation. Homozygous knockout mice for this gene exhibit increased muscle mass and bone density, and reduced adiposity. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 216]