The Activin Binding Proteins Follistatin and Follistatin-Related Protein Are Differentially Regulated In Vitro and During Cutaneous Wound Repair

The study characterized the murine follistatin-related gene (FLRG) protein, revealing it as a secreted glycoprotein with high expression in the lung, testis, uterus, and skin. FLRG was found in the basement membrane and around blood vessels, with its mRNA expression induced by various growth factors in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Both FLRG and follistatin were expressed during wound healing but showed different distribution patterns, suggesting distinct roles for these activin-binding proteins in vivo.