Somewhere in Germany is a baby Superman

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a reported case of a child in Germany with a genetic mutation that enhances muscle growth, specifically related to the myostatin gene. Participants explore the implications of this mutation, its potential effects, and related genetic concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants identify the myostatin gene as the cause of the child's muscle growth, referencing previous cases in animals, such as a bull with a similar mutation.
  • Concerns are raised about the medical implications of increased muscle growth, particularly regarding heart health.
  • One participant humorously suggests that the child may be a "superior" being, referencing a cultural stereotype about German efficiency.
  • Another participant questions the effectiveness of follistatin in reducing myostatin levels, providing references to scientific literature on the topic.
  • There is a speculative comment about the child's physical appearance, questioning if it aligns with certain stereotypes.
  • One participant mentions a related article on gene doping, suggesting a broader context for the discussion of genetic modifications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the involvement of the myostatin gene in muscle growth, but there are differing views on the implications and effects of this mutation, particularly concerning health and ethical considerations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader consequences of such genetic traits.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed medical analysis on the child's health and the potential long-term effects of the mutation. The discussion also reflects varying levels of understanding about genetic modifications and their societal implications.

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(AP) -- Somewhere in Germany is a baby Superman, born in Berlin with bulging arm and leg muscles. Not yet 5, he can hold seven-pound weights with arms extended, something many adults cannot do. He has muscles twice the size of other kids his age and half their body fat.

DNA testing showed why: The boy has a genetic mutation that boosts muscle growth.

The discovery, reported in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, represents the first documented human case of such a mutation. [continued]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/06/24/muscle.gene.ap/index.html
 
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My first thought was: myostatin.. and indeed that's the gene. A bull was once created carrying a mutation, this is what he looked like:

http://www.sruonline.com/sports-articles/images/MyostatinBelgianBlue3.jpg

I'm not sure about the medical implications, but it can't be good for the heart.
 
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German supertoddlers are our superiors.

I, for one, welcome our handsome new toddler overlords.
 
Does follistatin effectively reduce myostatin levels

Monique said:
My first thought was: myostatin
You can potentially reduce your myostatin levels by taking the myostatin inhibitor follistatin:


  • J Biol Chem. 2002 Oct 25;277(43):40735-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/utils/lofref.fcgi?PrId=3051&uid=12194980&db=pubmed&url=http://www.jbc.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=full&pmid=12194980 2002 Aug 22.

    The myostatin propeptide and the follistatin-related gene are inhibitory binding proteins of myostatin in normal serum.[/size]

    Hill JJ, Davies MV, Pearson AA, Wang JH, Hewick RM, Wolfman NM, Qiu Y.

    Department of Protein Chemistry and Proteomics, Wyeth Research, 87 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA. jhill@wyeth.com

    Myostatin, also known as growth and differentiation factor 8, is a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that negatively regulates skeletal muscle mass (1). Recent experiments have shown that myostatin activity is detected in serum by a reporter gene assay only after activation by acid, suggesting that native myostatin circulates as a latent complex (2). We have used a monoclonal myostatin antibody, JA16, to isolate the native myostatin complex from normal mouse and human serum. Analysis by mass spectrometry and Western blot shows that circulating myostatin is bound to at least two major proteins, the myostatin propeptide and the follistatin-related gene (FLRG). The myostatin propeptide is known to bind and inhibit myostatin in vitro (3). Here we show that this interaction is relevant in vivo, with a majority (>70%) of myostatin in serum bound to its propeptide. Studies with recombinant V5-His-tagged FLRG protein confirm a direct interaction between mature myostatin and FLRG. Functional studies show that FLRG inhibits myostatin activity in a reporter gene assay. These experiments suggest that the myostatin propeptide and FLRG are major negative regulators of myostatin in vivo.

    PMID: 12194980
 
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The Germans mutating a better, stronger baby?

Does it also have blonde hair and blue eyes?
 
Monique said:
My first thought was: myostatin.. and indeed that's the gene. A bull was once created carrying a mutation, this is what he looked like:

http://www.sruonline.com/sports-articles/images/MyostatinBelgianBlue3.jpg

I'm not sure about the medical implications, but it can't be good for the heart.

A recent issue of the Scientific American had an article about Gene Doping. In it was a picture of what I think is the exact same cow.
 
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