Li-Fang Liang

Myostatin Signaling in Normal and Tumor Cells

As a member of the TGF-β superfamily, myostatin is a specific negative regulator of skeletal muscle development. Loss of myostatin function in knock-out mice results in “double-muscle” phenotype observed in cattle breeds such as the Belgian Blue and the Piedmontese. In this chapter, we have included most recent observations on myostatin research, including the proteolytic processing of myostatin, its receptors, and the components in myostatin signaling pathway. In addition, we also discuss the role of myostatin in adipose tissue and glucose metabolism, and its relationship with rhabdomyosarcoma tumors.