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ABSTRACT The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily encompasses a large group of growth and differentiation factors playing important roles in regulating embryonic development and

in maintaining tissue homeostasis in adult animals1. Using degenerate polymerase chain reaction, we have identified a new murine TGF-β family member, growth/differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8),

which is expressed specifically in developing and adult skeletal muscle. During early stages of embryogenesis, GDF-8 expression is restricted to the myotome compartment of developing

somites. At later stages and in adult animals, GDF-8 is expressed in many different muscles throughout the body. To determine the biological function of GDF-8, we disrupted the GDF-8 gene by

gene targeting in mice. GDF-8 null animals are significantly larger than wild-type animals and show a large and widespread increase in skeletal muscle mass. Individual muscles of mutant

animals weigh 2-3 times more than those of wild-type animals, and the increase in mass appears to result from a combination of muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. These results suggest

that GDF-8 functions specifically as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via

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* Learn about institutional subscriptions * Read our FAQs * Contact customer support SIMILAR CONTENT BEING VIEWED BY OTHERS YTHDF2 GOVERNS MUSCLE SIZE THROUGH A TARGETED MODULATION OF

PROTEOSTASIS Article Open access 11 March 2024 THE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR NF-Y PARTICIPATES TO STEM CELL FATE DECISION AND REGENERATION IN ADULT SKELETAL MUSCLE Article Open access 14 October

2021 MUSCLE FIBER MYC IS DISPENSABLE FOR MUSCLE GROWTH AND ITS FORCED EXPRESSION SEVERELY PERTURBS HOMEOSTASIS Article Open access 03 April 2025 REFERENCES * McPherron, A. C. & Lee,

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* Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA Alexandra C. McPherron & Se-Jin Lee *

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA Ann M. Lawler Authors * Alexandra C. McPherron

View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Ann M. Lawler View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar *

Se-Jin Lee View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE

McPherron, A., Lawler, A. & Lee, SJ. Regulation of skeletal muscle mass in mice by a new TGF-p superfamily member. _Nature_ 387, 83–90 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/387083a0 Download

citation * Received: 13 November 1996 * Accepted: 11 February 1997 * Issue Date: 01 May 1997 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/387083a0 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the following link

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