Abstract
Simple SummaryMyostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of myogenesis, and various strategies have been used to improve livestock production by inhibiting MSTN. In this study, we developed a single-variable domain of the heavy chain antibody-recombinant MSTN nanobody (RMN) against MSTN. The selected RMN was expressed, purified, and assessed for its cytotoxicity, affinity, specificity, and the ability to inhibit MSTN. The results demonstrated that RMN could specifically detect and bind MSTN, further inhibit myostatin activity, as well as enhance muscle growth in mice.Myostatin (MSTN) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and is a negative regulator of myogenesis. It has been shown to function by controlling the proliferation of myoblasts. MSTN inhibition is considered as a promising treatment for promoting animal growth in livestock. Nanobodies, a special antibody discovered in camel, have arisen as an alternative to conventional antibodies and have shown great potential when used as tools in different biotechnology fields, such as diagnostics and therapy. In this study, we examined the effect of MSTN inhibition by RMN on the muscle growth of mice. The results showed that RMN could specifically detect and bind MSTN, as well as inhibit MSTN activity. A significant increase in skeletal muscle mass was observed after intramuscular injection of RMN into mice. Enhanced muscle growth occurred because of myofiber hypertrophy. These results offer a promising approach to enhance muscle growth that warrants further investigation in domestic animals.
Highlights
Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, is a well-known negative regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth [1]
We investigated whether administration of recombinant MSTN nanobody (RMN)
The results showed a specific band at 32 kDa after the recombinant MSTN protein reacted with RMN, while no specific band was detected in the control group
Summary
Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, is a well-known negative regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth [1]. Several kinds of molecular strategies have been utilized to improve meat production in livestock animals, for example, using RNA interference or gene knockout to obtain transgenic sheep and making antibodies against MSTN in mice and sheep [9,10,11,12]. These approaches have different disadvantages in the current studies, such as high cost, complex operation, and impracticality for widespread applications, as well as concerning the quality of meat of genetically modified livestock
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