The expression and potential functions of placental myostatin

Myostatin (growth differentiation factor-8; GDF-8) is a potent negative regulator of muscle development affecting both proliferation and differentiation. Myostatin has been reported to enhance the release of cytokines, including TNF-α (a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in implantation). In the human placenta, myostatin production is negatively correlated with gestational age and has been implicated in the control of glucose uptake. Preliminary data indicate its expression is primarily localized to cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast. The role of myostatin in the placenta, however, remains to be fully elucidated. We speculate that myostatin is key regulator that contributes to placentation and the regulation of placental function throughout pregnancy.