Follistatin-344 (1MG)

What Is Follistatin-344 and Why Buy It for Research?

Buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland for research into myostatin inhibition, TGF-β superfamily signaling, and muscle growth regulation. Specifically, Follistatin-344 (also known as FS344, FST344, or activin-binding protein) is a full-length, naturally occurring glycoprotein composed of 344 amino acids. The «344» designation refers to the full-length precursor protein; after removal of a 29-amino acid signal peptide, the mature circulating form is known as FS-315 (315 amino acids).

Nicholas Ling and colleagues first identified follistatin in 1987 from porcine ovarian follicular fluid based on its ability to suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion — hence its name (follicle + statin). Subsequently, researchers recognized that follistatin exerts its FSH-suppressive effect by neutralizing activin, the primary stimulator of FSH synthesis. In scientific research, Follistatin-344 serves as a molecular tool for studying TGF-β superfamily signaling, myostatin antagonism, and tissue plasticity. Furthermore, Core Peptides supplies Follistatin-344 as a lyophilized powder in a 1mg format exclusively for laboratory use. Therefore, researchers seeking to source this compound for their work will find it readily available when they buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland.

Follistatin-344 Research Overview: Buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland for TGF-β Signaling Studies

Centrally, research into Follistatin-344 has focused on its function as a high-affinity binding protein for select members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. Follistatin-344 binds and neutralizes myostatin (GDF-8), activin A, activin B, and certain bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) through a wrapping mechanism that sterically blocks receptor engagement.

Myostatin functions as a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth by activating SMAD2/3-dependent transcriptional programs that constrain myogenic differentiation. Follistatin-344 acts as an endogenous modulator by binding myostatin and limiting its receptor-mediated signaling cascade. The FST gene encodes Follistatin-344 and undergoes intracellular processing before secretion, with the precursor containing a signal peptide and core functional domains arranged to facilitate ligand interaction.

The discovery that follistatin also binds and neutralizes myostatin — a powerful negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass — has generated extraordinary interest in follistatin as a potential therapeutic agent for muscle wasting diseases. Gene therapy approaches using FS-344 have entered clinical trials for Becker muscular dystrophy with promising early results. Accordingly, researchers who buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland from Core Peptides can support their investigations into TGF-β signaling, myostatin inhibition, and muscle biology.

How Does Follistatin-344 Work in Research?

Mechanistically, Follistatin-344 functions as a ligand trap — also called a decoy receptor or neutralizing binding protein. Unlike a receptor antagonist that blocks a receptor, Follistatin-344 works by binding directly to TGF-β superfamily ligands in the extracellular space, preventing them from interacting with their signaling receptors.

Ligand Sequestration

Follistatin-344 binds to its target ligands — myostatin, activins, and other TGF-β family members — with high affinity. Structural studies show follistatin using its cystine-rich domains to wrap around the myostatin dimer like a clamp. This binding covers the receptor-binding surfaces on myostatin, prevents myostatin from docking onto activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB), and forms a stable complex that is functionally inactive.

The follistatin-ligand complex is essentially irreversible under physiological conditions, and the complex is unable to bind to type II activin receptors (ActRIIA/ActRIIB) on cell surfaces. The bound complex is internalized via cell surface proteoglycans and degraded through lysosomal pathways. Consequently, the net effect is a reduction of available ligand for receptor activation.

Blocking SMAD Signaling

Under normal conditions, myostatin or activin binding to their receptors triggers a cascade known as SMAD signaling. This involves ligand binding to activin receptor type IIB and associated type I receptors, phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins, and formation of SMAD2/3 complexes with SMAD4 that move into the nucleus to change gene expression — suppressing muscle growth and promoting protein breakdown.

When Follistatin-344 binds myostatin and activins upstream, it reduces receptor activation and cuts down SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. Without strong SMAD signaling, genes that limit muscle protein synthesis are downregulated, and genes that support growth, regeneration, and satellite cell activation are less suppressed.

Structural Basis

The distinction between Follistatin-344 and other isoforms, such as Follistatin-288, lies in differential C-terminal processing and heparan sulfate binding affinity. These isoform-specific features may influence tissue distribution, extracellular matrix interactions, and temporal availability.

Why Is Follistatin-344 Studied in Switzerland?

Primarily, researchers study Follistatin-344 because it represents a well-characterized glycoprotein that enables investigation of myostatin inhibition, TGF-β signaling, and tissue plasticity. In fact, this compound offers a focused tool for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle growth regulation, activin signaling, and growth factor modulation.

Research has demonstrated Follistatin-344’s relevance across multiple domains. In preclinical research settings, exposure to Follistatin-344 results in altered activin- and myostatin-mediated signaling, with downstream effects on SMAD phosphorylation, transcriptional regulation, and cellular phenotype. Early 2000s research indicated that this peptide may double muscular tissue mass in experimental research models.

Furthermore, gene-based exposure systems for Follistatin-344 may sustain elevated peptide levels over extended periods, potentially reducing myostatin and activin A concentrations and resulting in measurable improvements in lean mass (~10%) compared to controls. The peptide has been hypothesized to support satellite cell activation and muscle cell repair and regeneration.

Beyond muscle research, Follistatin-344’s engagement with activin and myostatin may extend to metabolic regulation. Research suggests that overexpression of Follistatin-344 may promote β-cell proliferation in pancreatic islets, potentially increasing insulin secretion and attenuating diabetic phenotypes. Additionally, the peptide may support osteogenesis, leading to increased bone formation and density, and has been theorized to attenuate fibrotic deposition by limiting activin-mediated pathways. Ultimately, researchers who buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland gain access to a comprehensive research tool for investigating TGF-β superfamily signaling, myostatin inhibition, and tissue plasticity.

Follistatin-344 Research Areas in Laboratory Studies

Research Area	Focus	Key Applications
Myostatin Inhibition	Muscle growth regulation, SMAD2/3 signaling blockade	FS344
TGF-β Superfamily Signaling	Activin sequestration, BMP modulation, receptor-ligand interactions	FS344
Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy	Muscle fiber size, satellite cell activity, protein synthesis	FS344
Neuromuscular Research	Motor neuron maintenance, neuromuscular preservation	FS344
Metabolic Regulation	β-cell proliferation, insulin secretion, glucose homeostasis	FS344
Fibrosis Research	Activin-mediated fibrotic pathways, hepatic fibrosis attenuation	FS344
Osteogenesis	Bone formation, bone density, activin/myostatin effects	FS344

Follistatin-344 Compared With Related Research Compounds

Compound	Research Focus	Mechanism / Target	Key Difference
Follistatin-344 (FS344)	Myostatin inhibition, TGF-β signaling, muscle growth	Ligand trap (myostatin, activins, BMPs)	344-aa precursor; full-length follistatin isoform
Follistatin-288 (FS288)	Activin inhibition, TGF-β signaling	Ligand trap (activin, myostatin)	288-aa isoform; higher activin affinity; cell-surface binding
ACE-031	Myostatin inhibition, muscle growth	ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein (decoy receptor)	Fusion protein; different mechanism
Myostatin Propeptide	Myostatin inhibition	Latent myostatin binding	Different binding mechanism

Comparatively, Follistatin-344 differs from other myostatin inhibitors in its mechanism and isoform-specific properties. On the one hand, Follistatin-344 is a full-length glycoprotein that functions as a ligand trap, binding directly to myostatin and activins. On the other hand, ACE-031 is a recombinant fusion protein that acts as a decoy receptor by joining a portion of the human ActRIIB receptor to a portion of a human antibody. In contrast, Follistatin-288 has higher activin affinity and cell-surface binding due to its C-terminal processing. FS344 has a 10-fold lower affinity to activin compared to FS288, making it the preferred isoform for muscle-specific research applications.

Research Applications for Follistatin-344 in Switzerland

Scientists have investigated Follistatin-344 across several research domains:

• Myostatin and Muscle Growth Research: Researchers use Follistatin-344 to study myostatin inhibition, muscle hypertrophy, satellite cell activation, and SMAD signaling pathways.
• TGF-β Superfamily Signaling: The protein serves as a molecular probe to study activin and myostatin function, regulation, and receptor-ligand interactions.
• Neuromuscular Research: Investigations have explored Follistatin-344’s potential to support motor neuron maintenance and neuromuscular preservation.
• Metabolic Research: Studies have examined Follistatin-344’s effects on β-cell proliferation, insulin secretion, and glucose homeostasis.
• Fibrosis Research: The peptide has been theorized to attenuate fibrotic deposition by limiting activin-mediated pathways.
• Osteogenesis Research: Early research suggests that mitigating the effects of activin and myostatin with Follistatin-344 may support osteogenesis and increase bone formation.

Evidently, researchers who buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland gain a valuable addition to any laboratory toolkit focused on TGF-β signaling, myostatin inhibition, and tissue plasticity research.

Follistatin-344 Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	Follistatin-344 (FS344)
Alternative Names	FST344, Activin-binding protein, FS-344, FST
Amount	1mg
Form	Lyophilized powder (white to off-white)
Purity	Not verified (≥98% HPLC purity reported by some suppliers)
Precursor Length	344 amino acids
Mature Form	FS-315 (315 amino acids, after signal peptide removal)
Molecular Weight	~38 kDa (mature FS-315 glycoprotein)
Molecular Formula	Not available (recombinant protein)
CAS Number	129954-34-3 (reported by some suppliers)
Research Category	Muscle & Performance / Healing & Regeneration
Research Use	Laboratory research use only
CoA	Available upon request (not verified)
Storage	Lyophilized powder should be stored desiccated at -20°C or below, protected from light
Solubility	Soluble in water and buffered aqueous solutions (e.g., PBS)

How to Evaluate Follistatin-344 Quality for Research

When sourcing Follistatin-344 protein for laboratory research, researchers should consider several quality indicators:

• Identity Confirmation: Analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry should confirm the compound’s identity as the full-length follistatin-344 isoform.
• Purity Assessment: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and SDS-PAGE should verify purity, with ≥98% considered standard for research-grade material.
• Batch Traceability: Lot numbers and batch information enable researchers to track specific production runs.
• Certificate of Analysis: A CoA should accompany the product, detailing analytical testing results including HPLC purity and identity confirmation.
• Labeling Accuracy: Proper labeling should clearly indicate the product name, amount (1mg), protein type, and storage recommendations.
• Storage Conditions: Appropriate storage at -20°C or below in desiccated, dark conditions helps maintain protein stability.

Understanding the Certificate of Analysis

Typically, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) accompanies research proteins and provides information about the specific batch’s analytical testing. For example, a CoA may include product identity confirmation, purity percentage as determined by HPLC and SDS-PAGE, batch or lot number for traceability, analytical methods used (e.g., mass spectrometry, HPLC), and a physical description of the product.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that a CoA does not establish safety, efficacy, therapeutic effectiveness, or suitability for human use. Instead, it serves as a quality control document that helps researchers verify the identity and purity of the protein they are using in their laboratory investigations.

Storage and Stability of Follistatin-344

Core Peptides supplies Follistatin-344 as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. To maintain stability and integrity:

• Store the lyophilized powder desiccated at -20°C or below for long-term storage
• Store at 4°C for short-term storage if frequent access is required
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
• Weigh under dry conditions; the protein is hygroscopic
• Reconstitute only immediately before use with appropriate sterile solvents (sterile water or buffered aqueous solutions such as PBS)
• Inject solvent slowly against the inner wall of the vial; avoid vigorous agitation during dissolution
• Filter sterilize if required (e.g., 0.22 µm) immediately prior to use
• Aliquot and store reconstituted solutions at -20°C or below to minimize degradation
• Protect from light and moisture; prolonged exposure to light, elevated temperature, or aqueous environments may reduce stability

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland

What is Follistatin-344?

Specifically, Follistatin-344 (FS344) is a full-length, naturally occurring 344-amino acid glycoprotein that functions as a high-affinity binding protein for select members of the TGF-β superfamily, most notably myostatin and activins.

What is Follistatin-344 researched for?

Primarily, researchers study Follistatin-344 for its role in myostatin inhibition, TGF-β superfamily signaling, and tissue plasticity. Studies have investigated its effects on muscle growth regulation, activin sequestration, metabolic regulation, and neuromuscular preservation.

How does Follistatin-344 work?

Mechanistically, Follistatin-344 functions as a ligand trap that binds directly to myostatin, activins, and other TGF-β family members in the extracellular space, preventing them from interacting with their signaling receptors. This reduces SMAD2/3 phosphorylation and downstream gene expression changes that normally limit muscle growth.

What is the amino acid sequence of Follistatin-344?

Follistatin-344 is a 344-amino acid precursor protein with a 29-amino acid signal peptide. After removal of the signal peptide, the mature circulating form is FS-315 (315 amino acids). The full sequence includes multiple follistatin domains (FSDs) that contribute to high-affinity ligand binding.

What is the molecular weight of Follistatin-344?

The mature FS-315 glycoprotein has a molecular weight of approximately 38 kDa.

What is the CAS number of Follistatin-344?

Not verified. CAS number 129954-34-3 is reported by some suppliers. CAS Number N/A is also reported.

Is Follistatin-344 synthetic?

Follistatin-344 is a recombinant protein produced through recombinant expression systems.

How does Follistatin-344 differ from Follistatin-288?

Follistatin-344 is a full-length isoform that, after proteolytic processing, circulates as FS-315 and has a 10-fold lower affinity to activin compared to FS288. FS344 is serum-based and avoids cell-surface binding sites, making it the preferred isoform for muscle-specific research.

What research exists on Follistatin-344?

Research on Follistatin-344 includes preclinical studies demonstrating increased muscle mass and strength, gene therapy clinical trials for Becker muscular dystrophy, studies on metabolic regulation and β-cell proliferation, and investigations into fibrosis attenuation and osteogenesis.

Is Follistatin-344 approved as a medicine?

No. Regulatory authorities have not approved Follistatin-344 as a medicine, pharmaceutical, or therapeutic agent. It is a research tool for laboratory use only.

Is Follistatin-344 intended for human use?

No. Follistatin-344 is intended for laboratory research use only and is not for human consumption, injection, or therapeutic application.

Where can I buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland?

You can buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland from Core Peptides, a trusted research peptide supplier serving the Swiss scientific community.

How should researchers evaluate Follistatin-344 quality?

Researchers should look for identity confirmation via mass spectrometry, purity data from HPLC and SDS-PAGE, batch traceability, and a Certificate of Analysis.

Related Research Compounds

Researchers interested in Follistatin-344 may also find the following related compounds relevant to their work:

• ACE-031 — A recombinant ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein researched for myostatin inhibition and muscle growth.
• Myostatin Propeptide — A peptide researched for myostatin inhibition and muscle regulation.
• BPC-157 — A peptide researched for tissue healing, gastrointestinal protection, and angiogenesis.
• TB-500 — A Thymosin Beta-4 fragment researched for tissue repair and wound healing.

Explore Muscle & Performance

Follistatin-344 belongs to the Muscle & Performance category of research compounds. Muscle & Performance products are studied for their potential roles in muscle growth, myostatin inhibition, and performance-related mechanisms. Generally, researchers who buy Follistatin-344 1mg in Switzerland often pair it with related compounds in this category to explore complementary pathways in muscle research and growth factor regulation.

Explore Healing & Regeneration

Researchers studying tissue repair, regeneration, and growth factor modulation may also find relevant compounds in the Healing & Regeneration category. Follistatin-344’s effects on tissue plasticity and repair make it a valuable tool for investigating regenerative biology.

Further Research

For researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of Follistatin-344 and its research applications, the following areas may warrant further investigation:

• The relationship between Follistatin-344-mediated myostatin inhibition and specific downstream effects on SMAD signaling and muscle protein synthesis
• Comparative studies between Follistatin-344 and other myostatin inhibitors in various muscle and tissue models
• The potential role of Follistatin-344 in modulating metabolic regulation, β-cell proliferation, and glucose homeostasis
• Mechanistic studies on Follistatin-344’s interaction with activins, BMPs, and other TGF-β family members
• Exploration of Follistatin-344’s effects on different tissue systems beyond skeletal muscle

Research Disclaimer

Follistatin-344 is a research protein supplied for laboratory research use only. Researchers must not use it for human consumption, injection, or any form of therapeutic application. Moreover, this product is not a medicine, pharmaceutical, or medical device. Furthermore, Swissmedic, the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority have not approved it for human use. Researchers should consult Swissmedic for applicable regulations and guidance on research protein handling in Switzerland.

Generally, the information provided on this page is for educational and scientific reference purposes only. Therefore, it does not constitute medical advice, treatment recommendations, or dosing instructions. Ultimately, researchers bear the responsibility for ensuring that their use of this product complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional guidelines.

Finally, all research involving proteins should be conducted by qualified personnel in appropriate laboratory settings with proper safety protocols.