关键词: 肌细胞, MSTN信号通路, 基因敲除/敲减, 肌肉生长抑制素, 哺乳动物

Abstract: Myostatin, also known as growth/differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), a member of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, is mostly expressed in skeletal muscles and plays crucial roles in the negative regulation of muscle development. In this paper, we reviewed the latest research progress of MSTN in mammals, mainly discussed the relationship between MSTN signal pathway and other related signal pathways， and especially summarized the effect of myostatin on gene expression associated with muscle development under experimental conditions. This review also introduced the significance for knockout or knockdown of MSTN by genetic manipulation or using antibodies in increasing muscle growth in transgenic animals, clinic treatment of diseases such as muscular dystrophy, and delaying of aging.

Key words: muscle cells, MSTN signal pathway, gene knockout/knockdown, myostatin, mammal