Myostatin: more than just a regulator of muscle mass

Abstract

The presence of sufficient skeletal muscle mass is of paramount importance for body function and the myostatin cascade is known to inhibit muscle growth in mammals. In addition, myostatin seems to have an important role in the cross-talk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and is involved in insulin sensitivity. In this article we highlight the latest developments related to the myostatin system, emphasizing therapeutic implications for wasting diseases and also the involvement of the system in other organs, in addition to skeletal muscle, such as heart or adipose tissue. Moreover, we highlight the possible role of the myostatin system in the cross-talk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, an important aspect that deserves consideration in wasting diseases.