Myostatin Inhibition & Follistatin Activation – Muscle Growth
Understanding Muscle Growth Limitations
Myostatin is a protein produced by muscle cells that acts as a strong negative regulator (a natural “brake”) on muscle growth and development. It limits muscle cell proliferation and hypertrophy, preventing excessive muscle mass. Elevated myostatin levels are linked to age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), muscle wasting diseases, and slower recovery after injury.
Follistatin is a naturally occurring protein that binds to and inhibits myostatin. By blocking myostatin, follistatin removes the brake on muscle growth, leading to increased muscle fiber size, strength, and regeneration.
Inhibiting myostatin while activating follistatin is one of the most promising pathways in muscle biology. This dual approach has significant potential for combating muscle loss, enhancing physical performance, accelerating recovery, and supporting healthy aging.
The Role of Myostatin Inhibition
& Follistatin Activation
Suppressing myostatin and increasing follistatin expression can significantly shift the balance toward greater muscle growth and improved muscle quality. This molecular strategy addresses the fundamental biological limit on muscle development, making it valuable for both therapeutic applications and performance enhancement.
Our Research Approaches
We are advancing two complementary strategies:
High-Throughput Screening (HTS)
for Small-Molecule Modulators
Using our GFP-based promoter-reporter assays in human cell cultures, we rapidly screen thousands of compounds to discover potent myostatin inhibitors and follistatin activators.
This platform enables us to identify new nutraceutical or pharmaceutical candidates that safely promote muscle growth.
AAV Gene Therapy
We are developing Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors designed to deliver genes that inhibit myostatin production or enhance follistatin expression specifically in muscle tissue.
This approach aims to provide sustained, long-term effects for muscle building and regeneration.
Partnership Opportunities
We offer licensing of discovered compounds, custom research, and technology transfer for all three approaches.
HTS Screening Project: Start at $40,000 – $150,000 + 5% royalty
Gene Therapy Development: Custom pricing (typically $1M – $2M) + 5% royalty
Full technology transfer and offshore lab setup available
Head Office
Tampa
Florida, US
Call Now
312-730-2562
786-307-1256
Email Us
dr.nikolic@ufl.edu