Chemicals and Drugs

Follistatin

A broadly distributed protein that binds directly to ACTIVINS. It functions as an activin antagonist, inhibits FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE secretion, regulates CELL DIFFERENTIATION, and plays an important role in embryogenesis. Follistatin is a single glycosylated polypeptide chain of approximately 37-kDa and is not a member of the inhibin family (INHIBINS). Follistatin also binds and neutralizes many members of the TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA family.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A broadly distributed protein that binds directly to ACTIVINS. It functions as an activin antagonist, inhibits FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE secretion, regulates CELL DIFFERENTIATION, and plays an important role in embryogenesis. Follistatin is a single glycosylated polypeptide chain of approximately 37-kDa and is not a member of the inhibin family (INHIBINS). Follistatin also binds and neutralizes many members of the TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA family.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

2 entry terms
  • Activin-Binding Protein
  • Activin Binding Protein

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

30 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, deficiency, drug effects, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, ultrastructure, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

2003; use FOLLISTATIN (NM) 1988-2002

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Activins (2002)
  • Glycoproteins (1987-2001)
  • Inhibins (1987-2001)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. D12.776w.157w.247w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WK 515

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Follistatin. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D038681. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D038681
  2. Follistatin. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Follistatin
  3. Follistatin. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q408122