Some aimless internet wanderings I stumbled across some articles about a gene called the Myostatin gene, nicknamed the “Schwarzenegger Gene”. Apparently the gene produces a protein called Myostatin which (for god knows what reason!!) regulates muscle growth.

Experiments in mutating the gene (which lowered the Myostatin levels) has resulted in up to 30% muscular gains in cattle and up to 300% in mice.

I also noticed in the wiki on Flex Wheeler, an awesomely strong, muscular, and yet athletic, bodybuilder (come martial arist):

It has been discovered that much of Wheeler’s muscular development was aided by a genetic mutation which inhibited the production of myostatin, a key limitor of muscular growth.

INTERESTING! Genes definitely play a huge role in how much muscle you can pack onto your frame – is this gene the reason why?

Obviously since I only just stumbled across this tonight I’m not an expert! I had a quick look for supplements designed to help reduce Myostatin production, but the search has been more or less fruitless for now. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.

It seems there is much research to be done into this gene and on designing supplements for it. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for any info or developments! Of course, the genes function in humans isn’t well understood yet – in fact it might be part of the body’s defense against cancers?! Either way, I’m very interested to learn more about this gene!

Here are a few articles on the topic:

http://www.qfac.com/articles/myostatin.html

http://build-muscle-articles.blogspot.com/2007/11/myostatin-bodybuilder-secret-to.html

http://www.thinkmuscle.com/ARTICLES/volk/myostatin.htm