GDF-8 (Growth Differentiation Factor-8), commonly known as myostatin, is supplied as lyophilized powder for structural and functional analysis of TGF-β superfamily signaling. This naturally occurring negative regulator of muscle growth is essential for mechanistic research into skeletal muscle development and growth factor signaling pathways.

Chemical Composition:

• Chemical Name: Growth Differentiation Factor-8 (GDF-8); Myostatin
• Molecular Formula: C434H692N120O139S7
• Molecular Weight: 11,383 g/mol (mature form)
• Compound Class: TGF-β superfamily member; serine/threonine kinase ligand

GDF-8 is a secreted signaling molecule that acts through the activin receptor pathway to inhibit myogenic differentiation and limit muscle mass expansion. Research encompasses evaluation of GDF-8/activin receptor binding kinetics, investigation of SMAD phosphorylation cascades in myogenic cell lines, characterization of myostatin-induced growth suppression mechanisms, and assessment of myogenic regulatory factor suppression in preclinical systems.

Research Applications:

• Receptor binding affinity determination using surface plasmon resonance
• SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation profiling in myoblast cultures
• Myogenic regulatory factor (MyoD, myogenin) expression suppression analysis
• In-vitro myogenic inhibition assays in C2C12 myoblast systems
• TGF-β signaling pathway cross-talk investigation using phosphoproteomics

Storage and Handling:

• Store at -20°C in sealed vials protected from light exposure
• Maintain in desiccated conditions; avoid humidity and freeze-thaw cycles
• Reconstitute with sterile, endotoxin-free water or PBS buffer
• Reconstituted solutions stable at 4°C for 5-7 days; prepare aliquots

Product Specifications:

• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Quantity: 1mg per vial
• Purity: >95% by HPLC
• Appearance: White crystalline lyophilized powder

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not intended for human consumption or clinical use. All products are sold strictly for laboratory, educational, and scientific research purposes.