ACE-031 is categorized within the protein family. It is consistently used in laboratory research to determine its ability to improve muscle mass. This protein is also being used for research in regards to neuromuscular disease treatment. The hypothesis of the studies is to see whether ACE-031 can be used to preserve physical function and boost strength of test subjects. Studies are still ongoing, so more is being learned on a regular basis about what this peptide can do. Proteins like ACE-031 are not approved for human consumption.
What Exactly is ACE-031?
This is a protein that’s being investigated to determine if it can be used for therapeutic purposes for building muscle and enhancing the strength of test subjects. It does this by allowing molecules to bind to cell surface receptors – this is also where it signals through. These cell surface receptors are known as Activin Receptr Type IIB, also known as ActRIIB. ACE-031 is a recombinant fusion protein that is produced when a portion of the ActRIIB receptor and a part of the standard antibody are joined together. This then creates a decoy version of ActRIIB that circulates and eliminates proteins like GDF-8 (also known as myostatin) and other molecules that limit the muscle’s strength or growth.
How the ActRIIB Sends Signals and Promotes Muscle Growth
The proteins in the TGF-B superfamily are used to regulate muscle growth. These act as the on and off switch for the production of muscles. In order to stop muscle growth, several molecules, such as GDF-8, intermingle with the ActRIIB receptor, which stops the production of muscle. When these off switches aren’t present, the muscle increases in mass radically.
Studies Using ACE-031 for Building Muscles
When ACE-031 was administered to test subjects, it showed that it helps to promote muscle growth and inhibit signaling from ActRIIB receptors. ACE-031 then binds together with other proteins that use the ActRIIB receptors to signal a limitation to muscle growth. Once bonded with these proteins, ACE-O31 stops communication with the ActRIIB, which then allows muscles to increase in size. Since ACE-031 stops certain proteins from sending signals through the ActRIIB, its effect on lean muscle exceeds those of just myostatin alone.
When used on test subjects, ACE-031 shows growth of lean muscle and increased strength over test subjects that haven’t been treated with the protein. This has been used on healthy test subjects and those with diseases related to muscle wasting and weakness.
For research involving skeletal muscle building, a single dose of ACE-031 was administered to test subjects. In two weeks, over two pounds of muscle was developed in those test subjects. It was also noted that the ACE-031 decreased leptin and increased adiponectin, which altered the biomarkers of fat metabolism and the formation of bone. It also changed resorption due to the decreased CTX and increased BSAP. The side effects of ACE-031 doses of different levels were mild or transient. No serious adverse effects were seen. Some of the adverse effects that were witnessed in test subjects included bleeding from the nose, signs of a headache and reactions at the injection site. The half-life of ACE-031 is 12 days, according to research.
Disclaimer: ACE-031 is not intended for use in humans. The studies that were performed using this protein were for the purpose of research and experimentation only. It’s not recommended for purchase for any other reason than for testing. It is advised that any research conducted using ACE-031 should be done in an experimental setting that complies with strict lab guidelines. It is important that safety equipment be worn while experimenting with ACE-031. If one of the researchers is exposed to the protein, the area should be cleansed thoroughly to avoid adverse reactions.
