ACE-031 (1mg)
ACE-031 is a lab-engineered protein developed by Acceleron Pharma to block myostatin, a natural regulator that restricts muscle growth. In controlled mouse model studies, mice given ACE-031 showed about a 16% increase in muscle mass within 28 days compared to untreated groups. [1]
This recombinant fusion protein binds to activin type II receptors, influencing muscle development and repair through specific signaling pathways. Because of its precise biological function, ACE-031 is used in research exploring skeletal muscle growth, fat metabolism, and the molecular regulation of muscle tissue.
What Is ACE-031?
What is ACE-031? It is a recombinant fusion protein engineered to study muscle regulation by inhibiting specific growth-limiting signals in laboratory models. Developed by Acceleron Pharma, ACE-031 functions as a myostatin inhibitor, binding to activin type II receptors to block the action of myostatin and related ligands. [2]
This interaction allows scientists to observe how muscle cells respond when inhibitory signals are reduced. In laboratory settings, ACE-031 identity and purity are verified using analytical methods such as HPLC and mass spectrometry, with batch-specific Certificates of Analysis documenting results for each lot.
How ACE-031 Works in the Body
The myostatin inhibitory peptide ACE-031 binds to activin type II receptors, blocking myostatin and related ligands that normally limit muscle cell growth. This binding prevents inhibitory signaling, allowing for greater protein synthesis and muscle fiber formation. The process enhances anabolic activity within skeletal muscle tissue, supporting research on muscle repair and growth regulation.
Preclinical data from mouse models show increased thigh muscle volume, improved contractile performance, and greater force-generating capacity. These effects help researchers analyze how targeted myostatin inhibition influences muscle development and energy metabolism. ACE-031 has also been evaluated in early clinical trials to study its safety, tolerability, and biological activity in healthy volunteers.
Molecular and Structural Information
ACE-031 exists in two research forms: the full recombinant ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein and the synthetic peptide fragment analog used in laboratory assays. Each form supports controlled research on myostatin inhibition and muscle signaling pathways.
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Peptide Sequence: Recombinant ActRIIB extracellular domain fragment fused to Fc region analog
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Molecular Formula: ≈ C₂₆₆H₄₇₂N₈₀O₉₆S₆ (approximate, fragment form)
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Molecular Weight: ≈ 101 kDa (biologic form), ≈ 5.8 kDa (peptide fragment form)
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CAS Number: 1621169-52-5
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PubChem CID: 56841943
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Synonyms: ACE 031, ActRIIB-Fc Peptide, Activin Type IIB Receptor Peptide
Molecular values reflect the research-grade peptide analog of ACE-031. Exact composition may vary slightly based on synthesis and post-processing methods.
Protein Binding Characteristics
ACE-031 peptides are engineered in a soluble form, combining the extracellular domain of activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) with an Fc fragment analog to create a stable structure. This configuration enables high-affinity binding to myostatin, activins, and GDF-11, preventing them from signaling through native receptors.
Blocking these pathways supports research on muscle cell growth and skeletal muscle mass. Verified through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), ACE-031 maintains purity and structural stability, ensuring reliable results in controlled laboratory environments focused on muscle regulation.
Lyophilized Form and Purity
ACE-031 is provided as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder to preserve its structure and extend shelf life during storage. This process helps maintain molecular stability and ensures reliable reconstitution for laboratory use. Each batch undergoes HPLC and MS testing to verify identity, purity, and molecular weight.
Peptides Online maintains a minimum 99% purity standard, reducing contaminants that could affect results. Proper lyophilization guarantees consistency, reproducibility, and dependable outcomes across various peptide-based research applications involving muscle growth regulation.
ACE-031 Research Applications
ACE-031 is studied for its effects on various biological pathways, including muscle growth, fat metabolism, and skeletal development. Scientists examine its role in muscle hypertrophy, bone density, and neuromuscular regulation through myostatin inhibition.
Ongoing studies aim to understand how ACE-031 influences cellular signaling, protein synthesis, and body composition while maintaining precision and reproducibility in experimental models.
Studies on Muscle Growth and Cell Hypertrophy
Researchers study ACE-031 for its role in skeletal muscle growth through the inhibition of myostatin — a known muscle regulator — and related signaling molecules. Preclinical models show increased muscle fiber size, density, and strength following exposure.
In studies involving exercising mdx mouse muscle, researchers noted enhanced structural integrity and fiber regeneration. [3] Studies also report enhanced protein synthesis and satellite cell activation, providing insights into cellular processes related to muscle regeneration.
Controlled experiments demonstrate higher lean muscle mass and reduced fat accumulation. These findings help scientists explore the molecular balance between muscle development, repair, and metabolic adaptation in laboratory environments.
Research on Fat Metabolism and Body Composition
ACE-031 has been examined for its influence on fat metabolism through myostatin inhibition and related metabolic signaling. Preclinical studies suggest that blocking myostatin supports lean muscle mass while minimizing muscle loss and reducing fat storage. Laboratory findings show improved energy expenditure and nutrient utilization in controlled conditions.
Researchers also observe potential effects on insulin sensitivity and lipid balance. [4] This helps to clarify how ACE-031 impacts body composition and the relationship between muscle tissue, energy regulation, and metabolic efficiency.
Investigations Into Muscle Strength and Contractile Function
ACE-031 is studied for its impact on muscle strength, muscle function, and contractile efficiency through myostatin inhibition. Laboratory experiments assess force generation, endurance, and recovery in treated muscle fibers.
Researchers may also track serum lactate levels to evaluate metabolic response during muscle contraction and recovery phases. Preclinical findings show increased torque output, higher muscle weight, and expanded muscle cross-sectional area.
Researchers also study how ACE-031 influences neuromuscular signaling, mitochondrial activity, and calcium handling within cells. [5] These investigations help clarify how regulated myostatin blockade supports improved muscle performance, energy supply, and functional strength in controlled research conditions.
Effects on Bone Density and Skeletal Support
Through controlled research, ACE-031 has shown measurable effects on bone metabolism, bone mass, and skeletal strength. By blocking myostatin and activin signaling, it appears to promote osteoblast activity and bone formation in mouse models. Studies report increased bone mineral density and enhanced structural support. [6]
Researchers also analyze how muscle-derived growth factors influence bone tissue. These findings help explain the connection between muscle development, bone health, and mechanical stability within experimental models investigating musculoskeletal system interactions.
Potential Role in Muscle Wasting and Neuromuscular Degeneration
Laboratory research explores how ACE-031 affects neuromuscular communication and muscle preservation under degenerative conditions, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and muscle degeneration. [7] By inhibiting myostatin and activin A, scientists study its role in maintaining muscle fiber integrity, limiting muscle fiber atrophy, and supporting increased muscle mass.
Experiments highlight improved neuromuscular junction stability and better coordination in test models. Researchers also investigate changes in motor function, fatigue resistance, and cell signaling. These findings advance understanding of muscle–nerve interactions and tissue regeneration within controlled neuromuscular studies.
Mechanism of Action
ACE-031 functions by selectively binding to proteins that inhibit muscle growth. This mechanism is studied through several related pathways:
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ACE-031 and Myostatin Inhibition: ACE-031 binds to myostatin, a natural regulator that limits muscle development, allowing researchers to study its role in stimulating muscle growth. By preventing it from signaling through activin type II receptors, researchers observe an increase in muscle fiber size and overall skeletal muscle growth in experimental models.
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Relationship Between ACE-031 and Activin Receptors: The peptide mimics the natural ActRIIB receptor, “trapping” ligands such as myostatin, activin A, and GDF-11. This binding blocks their inhibitory effects on muscle cell formation.
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Influence on Muscle Repair and Protein Synthesis: Preclinical research suggests ACE-031 enhances protein synthesis and supports muscle regeneration, aiding studies on muscle recovery and metabolic function.
Product Quality and Testing Information
When you buy ACE-031, each vial undergoes strict testing to verify purity and structure. Analytical methods such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, and serum biomarker evaluation confirm accuracy and consistency. Every batch includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) outlining results. These procedures guarantee that ACE-031 meets research-grade standards for safety, identity, and reproducibility.
Purity and Identity Verification
Each batch of ACE-031 undergoes extensive analytical testing to confirm purity, composition, and molecular accuracy. High-performance liquid chromatography ensures purity levels of 99% or higher. Mass spectrometry verifies the peptide’s molecular weight and structural identity.
Additional tests, such as fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, confirm bonding integrity. Batch-specific COAs document results. Controlled cold-chain storage maintains molecular stability, while full traceability supports transparency and reproducibility in scientific research environments.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Every vial of ACE-031 (1mg) includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming verified testing data and product specifications. The COA lists purity percentage, molecular weight, identity, appearance, and solubility results. Testing methods such as HPLC and mass spectrometry ensure precision and reproducibility.
Each document includes lot numbers, testing dates, and lab identifiers for traceability. Archived COAs maintain transparency, guaranteeing consistent research quality and validated results across all ACE-031 production batches.
Handling, Storage, and Stability
ACE-031 (1mg) is supplied in a lyophilized form to preserve stability during shipping and long-term storage. Store the vial at –20°C or lower to maintain peptide integrity. After reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8°C and use it within the recommended timeframe.
Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles to prevent degradation. Use sterile solvents during preparation, and handle the peptide in controlled laboratory environments to ensure accuracy, stability, and reproducibility in ongoing research applications.
Disclaimer
ACE-031 Peptide (1mg) is intended strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not approved for human, veterinary, or diagnostic applications. Handling should occur in controlled environments by trained professionals following proper safety and compliance standards. The information provided is for scientific and educational reference only. It must not be interpreted as medical, therapeutic, or legal advice. All details support transparency, accuracy, and responsible research involving ACE-031 Peptide (1mg).
References and Supporting Studies
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Cadena, S. M., Tomkinson, K. N., Monnell, T. E., Spaits, M. S., Kumar, R., Underwood, K. W., Pearsall, R. S., & Lachey, J. L. (2010). Administration of a soluble activin type IIB receptor promotes skeletal muscle growth independent of fiber type. Journal of Applied Physiology, 109(3), 635–642. ResearchGate
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Attie, K. M., Borgstein, N. G., Yang, Y., Condon, C. H., Wilson, D. M., Pearsall, A. E., Kumar, R., Willins, D. A., Seehra, J. S., & Sherman, M. L. (2013). A single ascending‐dose study of muscle regulator ACE-031 in healthy volunteers. Muscle & Nerve, 47(3), 416–423. PubMed
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Rybalka, E., Timpani, C. A., Debruin, D. A., Bagaric, R. M., Campelj, D. G., & Hayes, A. (2020). The Failed Clinical Story of Myostatin Inhibitors against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Exploring the Biology behind the Battle. Cells, 9(12), 2657. PMC
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Akpan, I., Goncalves, M., Dhir, R., Yin, X., Pistilli, E., Bogdanovich, S., Khurana, T. S., Ucran, J., & Ahima, R. S. (2009). The effects of a soluble activin type IIB receptor on obesity and insulin sensitivity. International Journal of Obesity (London), 33(11), 1265–1273. PMC
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Mitra, A., Qaisar, R., Bose, B., & Sudheer, S. P. (2023). The elusive role of myostatin signaling for muscle regeneration and maintenance of muscle and bone homeostasis. Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia, 9(1), 1-7. PMC
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Bialek, P., Parkington, J., Li, X., Gavin, D., Wallace, C., Zhang, J., Root, A., Yan, G., Warner, L., Seeherman, H. J., & Yaworsky, P. J. (2014). A myostatin and activin decoy receptor enhances bone formation in mice. Bone, 60(162–171). ScienceDirect
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Campbell, C., McMillan, H. J., Mah, J. K., Tarnopolsky, M., Selby, K., McClure, T., Wilson, D. M., Sherman, M. L., Escolar, D., & Attie, K. M. (2017). Myostatin inhibitor ACE-031 treatment of ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Muscle & Nerve, 55(4), 458–464. PubMed