Follistatin is a single-chain gonadal protein that specifically inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone. The single FST gene encodes two isoforms, FST317 and FST344, containing 317 and 344 amino acids respectively, resulting from alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA. In a study in which 37 candidate genes were tested for linkage and association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperandrogenemia in 150 families, evidence of a link between PCOS and follistatin was found. Follistatin binds directly to activin and functions as an activin antagonist, a specific inhibitor of the biosynthesis and secretion of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). For research purposes only.
Follistatin is a single-chain gonadal protein that specifically inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone. The single FST gene encodes two isoforms, FST317 and FST344, containing 317 and 344 amino acids respectively, resulting from alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA. In a study in which 37 candidate genes were tested for linkage and association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperandrogenemia in 150 families, evidence of a link between PCOS and follistatin was found. Follistatin binds directly to activin and functions as an activin antagonist, a specific inhibitor of the biosynthesis and secretion of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). For research purposes only.