Mouse Follistatin Like Protein 3 (FSTL3) Protein

Background

Follistatin Like 3 (FSTL3) is a glycoprotein structurally related to follistatin and functions as an extracellular antagonist of activin and other TGF-β superfamily members. By binding to activin, FSTL3 inhibits its signaling, thereby regulating processes such as cell differentiation, growth, and immune responses. FSTL3 is expressed in various tissues, including the heart, pancreas, and reproductive organs, where it plays roles in modulating endocrine functions, metabolic homeostasis, and tissue repair. Elevated levels of FSTL3 have been associated with metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes, where it disrupts insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. Additionally, FSTL3 is implicated in cancer progression, fibrosis, and cardiovascular diseases, due to its influence on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Its multifunctional regulatory properties make FSTL3 a potential therapeutic target for treating activin-related pathologies, including metabolic syndrome, infertility, and fibrotic diseases.