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The mysterious gene that doubles muscle: Why are some people naturally stronger than others?
In the minds of many athletes and fitness enthusiasts, a gene called myostatin has attracted great attention. The effect of this gene on muscle growth is known as the "muscle limiting factor". It can inhibit the growth of muscle cells, thereby affecting the body's strength and endurance. Some people have myostatin deficiencies, which may give them superhuman strength.
Basic concepts of myostatin
Myostatin is a protein encoded by the MSTN gene that is mainly produced by skeletal muscle cells and released into the blood. The main function of this protein is to inhibit muscle growth and regulate muscle mass and strength. Studies have shown that animals lacking myostatin, including mice and certain breeds of cattle, exhibit significantly increased muscle mass and strength. This means that some as-yet-unexplored genetic enhancements may find their way into future treatments.
Many dairy cows and sheep are naturally deficient in myostatin, and these animals have significantly increased muscle mass, making them a valuable resource for the livestock industry.
Discovery and research process
In 1997, scientists Se-Jin Lee and Alexandra McPherron first identified the MSTN gene, and the subsequent deletion mutant mice were called "strong mice." These mice had approximately twice the muscle mass of normal mice, unveiling the effects of myostatin on muscle growth. Through the confirmation of gene sequences, scientists have discovered mutations in the myostatin gene in some cattle. These mutations significantly improved their muscle mass, thus becoming the so-called "double-muscle cattle."
Mechanism of action of myostatin
The structure of myostatin consists of two identical subunits, and its function is activated by cleaving the "prodomain". Activated myostatin binds to active type II receptors and triggers a series of cell signals, effectively inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells. This mechanism of action reduces the chance of muscle growth and controls muscle mass and strength.
Research indicates that myostatin not only affects muscle growth, but may also have a profound impact on bone formation and health.
Myostatin mutation phenomenon in different animals
Mutations in myostatin are relatively common in the animal kingdom, especially in cattle, dogs, and mice. For example, mutations in the myostatin gene in whippets affect their body size and muscle structure, allowing some individuals to excel in competition. Likewise, mice lacking myostatin were significantly larger and had less fat than normal mice.
Myostatin mutations in humans
In 2004, a German boy was diagnosed with a double mutation of myostatin, which gave him muscle strength far beyond that of his peers. The same situation occurred in a boy in the United States whose muscle cells responded abnormally to the hormone myostatin, resulting in an unusually muscular appearance. These mutations not only increase an individual's muscle mass, but may also affect their athletic ability and overall health.
Potential therapeutic applications
With further research on myostatin, scientists are expected to develop treatments for conditions such as muscular dystrophy in the future. The muscle mass of animals can be effectively improved by neutralizing antibodies against myostatin. Current research has shown that some mice and apes have significantly increased muscle size after receiving such treatments.
Although there are currently no myostatin drugs on the market for humans, research in this area has become a hot topic in the medical community.
Ethical considerations in sports
Because myostatin inhibitors can improve athletic performance, the athletic community is concerned about the misuse of these drugs. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned the use of inhibitors of myostatin, paving the way for green sport.
Myostatin not only plays an important role in increasing physical strength, but may also affect many aspects of human health. However, will this research change our understanding of athletic abilities and physical limitations?
