Myostatin Research: From Molecular Understanding to Clinical Translation for Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Disorders
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Myostatin (Mstn), a well-characterized member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, serves as a key negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. Its overactivation is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders. Over the past decades, inhibiting Mstn has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to promote muscle growth. A range of Mstn-targeted inhibitors has been developed, yielding encouraging preclinical and clinical outcomes. These include small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, peptibodies, and gene therapy-based approaches. This review summarizes the biological structure and function of Mstn, provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in Mstn-targeted therapeutics, and offers critical insights into future directions for drug development and clinical translation.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27093836
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Funders: Key Project of Research and Development Plan of Hunan Province, Hong Kong Baptist University, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Innovation and Technology Commission, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Guangdong Science and Technology Department, Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of Shanxi Province, Young Scientists Fund
OpenAlex ID: W7157222104