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Research Chemical products are third-party tested by MZ Biolabs, an independent laboratory based in Arizona. Each batch is analyzed to ensure accuracy, purity, and that all specifications are met.
YK-11 is a synthetic steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that also exhibits characteristics of a myostatin inhibitor. It is currently being explored for its potential to enhance muscle development through unique mechanisms distinct from traditional SARMs. This compound is intended strictly for laboratory research use only.
YK-11 increases follistatin expression in C2C12 myoblasts through AR-dependent signaling. This was demonstrated in Park (2022), where YK-11 significantly upregulated follistatin mRNA compared to control.
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes members of the TGF-β superfamily, particularly myostatin and activin, both of which influence muscle and bone metabolism.
Separate (non–YK-11-specific) studies show that follistatin has roles in bone formation:
It can promote osteoblast differentiation and increase bone formation in animal models.
Follistatin deficiency is associated with impaired bone development, while overexpression can enhance bone mass in some experimental settings.
Overall: In cell studies, YK-11 has been shown to increase follistatin expression, a protein known to regulate pathways involved in bone formation and density. While this suggests a potential mechanism by which YK-11 could influence bone health, direct evidence demonstrating YK-11’s effects on bone density or structure is currently lacking.
What the literature does support
In muscle cell studies, it activates AR-mediated pathways and increases follistatin expression, which may promote myogenic differentiation. However, its binding affinity and tissue selectivity have not been well characterized in peer-reviewed research.
In Yatsu et al., 2018, treatment of C2C12 myoblasts with YK-11 led to increased phosphorylation of Akt (protein kinase B).
This effect was observed rapidly (within 60 minutes) and was blocked by the AR antagonist flutamide, indicating that it is mediated through the androgen receptor but occurs through a non-genomic signaling pathway — i.e., not dependent on gene transcription.
The authors interpreted this as rapid AR-dependent, non-genomic signaling, consistent with known androgen receptor signaling outside the nucleus.
Phosphorylated Akt is a key regulator of myogenic differentiation and muscle hypertrophy pathways, suggesting that this mechanism may underlie some of YK-11’s observed effects in muscle cell research.
Overall: YK-11 has been shown in cell studies to rapidly increase phosphorylation of Akt protein through AR-dependent, non-genomic signaling pathways, which may contribute to its observed myogenic effects in vitro. However, this mechanism has not yet been confirmed in vivo.
C2C12 myoblasts treated with 500 nM YK-11 showed significant myogenic differentiation, measured by myosin heavy chain expression and morphological differentiation markers.
YK-11 treatment increased Fst (follistatin) mRNA expression through androgen receptor (AR)-dependent mechanisms.
The AR antagonist flutamide blocked both Fst upregulation and myogenic differentiation, confirming the pathway’s AR dependency.
The authors proposed that upregulation of follistatin inhibits myostatin signaling, thereby promoting muscle differentiation.
Summary Table
| Parameter | Finding |
|---|---|
| Cell line | C2C12 myoblasts (mouse) |
| Concentration | 500 nM YK-11 |
| Key mechanism | AR-dependent Fst mRNA upregulation → myostatin inhibition |
| Outcome | ↑ Myogenic differentiation (myosin heavy chain expression, morphology) |
| Evidence type | In vitro |
Overall: In C2C12 myoblast studies, YK-11 at a concentration of 500 nM induced myogenic differentiation by upregulating Fst (follistatin) mRNA through androgen receptor–dependent signaling. This suggests a potential role for YK-11 in modulating muscle development pathways in vitro, though these effects have not yet been confirmed in vivo.
Note: Accurate Measurement: Includes a graduated 1mL glass pipette to ensure precise research dosing.
Store Liquid YK-11 in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain stability and potency.
This compound is intended strictly for laboratory research use only. Additionally, YK11 is a controlled substance in many countries and has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The long-term effects of YK11 use are completely unknown due to the lack of human trials.
1. Dahleh, M. M. M., Bortolotto, V. C., Boeira, S. P., Segat, H. J., Guerra, G. P., & Prigol, M. (2024). From gains to gaps? How Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) YK-11 impacts hippocampal function: In silico, in vivo, and ex vivo perspectives. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 394, 110971.
2. Dahleh, M. M. M., Bortolotto, V. C., Guerra, G. P., Boeira, S. P., & Prigol, M. (2023). YK-11 induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus: The interplay between a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and exercise—The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 233, 106364.
3. Zotarelli Filho, I. J. (2020). State-of-the-Art Clinical Results of Growth Hormone Secretagogues, SARMs and Antagonists. Authorea Preprints.
4. Yatsu, T. et al. (2018). YK11, a selective androgen receptor modulator, inhibits myostatin signaling and promotes myogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblasts. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 41(3), 451–454. PubMed PMID: 29491216
5. Park, J., Mcllvain, V., Rosenberg, J., Donovan, L., Desai, P., & Kim, J. Y. (2022). The mechanisms of anabolic steroids, selective androgen receptor modulators and myostatin inhibitors. The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(2), 67-85.
Keep the product in a dry, cool place and protect it from light for maximum longevity.
No. YK-11 is not approved by the FDA for human consumption and is offered strictly for laboratory research purposes only.
Our product includes a 1 mL graduated pipette for accurate liquid measurements and dosing calculations.
YK-11 is a research compound classified as both a SARM and a myostatin inhibitor. It is being researched to investigate its effects on follistatin expression, a process by which the production of follistatin, a protein that suppresses myostatin, is regulated.
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YK-11 increases follistatin expression in C2C12 myoblasts through AR-dependent signaling. This was demonstrated in Park (2022), where YK-11 significantly upregulated follistatin mRNA compared to control.
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes members of the TGF-β superfamily, particularly myostatin and activin, both of which influence muscle and bone metabolism.
Separate (non–YK-11-specific) studies show that follistatin has roles in bone formation:
It can promote osteoblast differentiation and increase bone formation in animal models.
Follistatin deficiency is associated with impaired bone development, while overexpression can enhance bone mass in some experimental settings.
Overall: In cell studies, YK-11 has been shown to increase follistatin expression, a protein known to regulate pathways involved in bone formation and density. While this suggests a potential mechanism by which YK-11 could influence bone health, direct evidence demonstrating YK-11’s effects on bone density or structure is currently lacking.
Note: Accurate Measurement: Includes a graduated 1mL glass pipette to ensure precise research dosing.
Store Liquid YK-11 in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain stability and potency.
This compound is intended strictly for laboratory research use only. Additionally, YK11 is a controlled substance in many countries and has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The long-term effects of YK11 use are completely unknown due to the lack of human trials.
1. Dahleh, M. M. M., Bortolotto, V. C., Boeira, S. P., Segat, H. J., Guerra, G. P., & Prigol, M. (2024). From gains to gaps? How Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) YK-11 impacts hippocampal function: In silico, in vivo, and ex vivo perspectives. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 394, 110971.
2. Dahleh, M. M. M., Bortolotto, V. C., Guerra, G. P., Boeira, S. P., & Prigol, M. (2023). YK-11 induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus: The interplay between a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and exercise—The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 233, 106364.
3. Zotarelli Filho, I. J. (2020). State-of-the-Art Clinical Results of Growth Hormone Secretagogues, SARMs and Antagonists. Authorea Preprints.
4. Yatsu, T. et al. (2018). YK11, a selective androgen receptor modulator, inhibits myostatin signaling and promotes myogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblasts. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 41(3), 451–454. PubMed PMID: 29491216
5. Park, J., Mcllvain, V., Rosenberg, J., Donovan, L., Desai, P., & Kim, J. Y. (2022). The mechanisms of anabolic steroids, selective androgen receptor modulators and myostatin inhibitors. The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(2), 67-85.
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