Multiple defects and perinatal death in mice deficient in follistatin

The function of follistatin in mammals is investigated by using the loss-of-function mutant mice. The absence of follistatin in mice reveals a retardation in growth and a reduction in the diaphragm and intercostal muscle mass. The shiny taut skin, skeletal defects in the ribs and abnormal tooth development are other observed features. These indicate that follistatin has more influence on the growth and regulation of a mammal than activin.