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Myostatin DNA vaccine increases skeletal muscle mass and endurance in mice
Author(s) -
Tang Liang,
Yan Zhen,
Wan Yi,
Han Wei,
Zhang Yingqi
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.20791
Subject(s) - myostatin , skeletal muscle , recombinant dna , myokine , biology , follistatin , endocrinology , dna vaccination , medicine , wasting , epitope , immunology , gene , antibody , genetics
Myostatin is a transforming growth factor‐β family member that acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. In mice, genetic disruption of the myostatin gene leads to a marked increase in body weight and muscle mass. Similarly, pharmacological interference with myostatin in vivo in mdx knockout mice results in a functional improvement of the dystrophic phenotype. Consequently, myostatin is an important therapeutic target for treatment of diseases associated with muscle wasting. To construct a therapeutic DNA vaccine against myostatin, we coupled the foreign, immunodominant T‐helper epitope of tetanus toxin to the N terminus of myostatin, and BALB/c mice were immunized with the recombinant vector. Sera from vaccinated mice showed the presence of specific antibodies against the recombinant protein. In addition, body weight, muscle mass, and grip endurance of vaccinated mice were significantly increased. Our study provides a novel, pharmacological strategy for treatment of diseases associated with muscle wasting. Muscle Nerve, 2007