Key Characteristics
- Category: Injectable Peptides
- Purity: >99% Purity
- Molecular Formula: N/A (Glycoprotein)
- Molecular Weight: ~38 kDa
- Sequence: 344 amino acid protein
Available Sizes
About
Follistatin is a naturally occurring glycoprotein that is a potent inhibitor of myostatin. By binding to myostatin, it promotes muscle growth and increases strength.
Mechanism of Action
Follistatin binds to and inhibits myostatin, a protein that negatively regulates muscle growth. By neutralizing myostatin, Follistatin allows for increased muscle fiber growth (hypertrophy) and the formation of new muscle cells (hyperplasia).
Key Benefits
- Potent inhibitor of myostatin
- Promotes significant muscle growth and strength gains
- May increase fertility
- Can act as an antagonist to activin
Clinical Research
Animal studies, particularly in mice, have shown that administration of Follistatin leads to dramatic increases in muscle mass and strength, even without exercise. Research is ongoing for its potential in treating muscle-wasting diseases.
Potential Side Effects
As a powerful growth modulator, potential side effects are a subject of ongoing research. Theoretical risks could include impacts on other tissues and long-term effects of myostatin inhibition.
Usage & Dosage
Administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Research dosages vary, but are often in the range of 100mcg per day for short cycles (e.g., 10-20 days).
Peptide Storage
Best Practices For Storing Peptides
To preserve the integrity of laboratory results, proper storage of peptides is essential. Correct storage practices can maintain peptides for years and guard against contamination, oxidation, and degradation. If the peptides will be used immediately, short-term refrigeration under 4°C (39°F) is generally acceptable. Lyophilized peptides are usually stable at room temperatures for several weeks.
For longer-term storage (several months to years), it is preferable to store peptides in a freezer at -80°C (-112°F). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and do not use frost-free freezers, as temperatures can fluctuate widely.
Preventing Contamination
To prevent moisture contamination, allow the peptide to come to room temperature before opening its container. Minimize exposure to air; after use, reseal the container under an atmosphere of dry, inert gas (like nitrogen or argon) if possible. Peptides with Cys, Met, or Trp are especially prone to air oxidation.
Storing Peptides In Solution
The shelf life of peptide solutions is far less than that of lyophilized peptides. If peptides must be stored in solution, use sterile buffers at pH 5-6 and separate into aliquots to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Peptide solutions are generally stable for up to 30 days when refrigerated at 4°C (39°F).