YK-11 (Myostine)

YK-11 (Myostine) Research Standard

YK-11 (Myostine) is a synthetic steroidal compound and a potent ligand for the androgen receptor (AR). Unlike nonsteroidal Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), YK-11 is a 19-norpregnadiene derivative structurally related to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In laboratory research, it is primarily investigated for its atypical partial agonist activity and its unique mechanism of receptor engagement—specifically, its inability to induce the N-terminal/C-terminal (N/C) interaction required for full androgenic transactivation. It is widely utilized as a reference compound in comparative AR ligand pharmacology and analytical chemistry studies.

Technical Specifications

Mechanism of Action & Research Context

YK-11 serves as a distinct chemical probe for exploring androgen receptor signaling dynamics.

• Atypical Partial Agonism: Unlike classical androgens (e.g., DHT), YK-11 binds the AR ligand-binding domain but fails to induce the N/C-terminal interaction. This leads to a unique transcriptional profile, allowing researchers to study AR modulation without triggering the full classical androgenic pathway.

• Transcriptional Profiling: The compound is employed to map differential gene expression patterns. Because its signaling cascade differs from standard steroidal agonists, it provides comparative data regarding AR conformational states.

• Follistatin/Myostatin Research: Historically linked to the induction of follistatin in C2C12 myoblast models (Kanno et al., 2011), current research utilizes YK-11 to interrogate the downstream signaling pathways that potentially influence myoblast differentiation, though independent replication of these specific follistatin-pathway findings remains a focus of ongoing investigation.

Research Applications

YK-11 is a specialized reagent essential for comparative pharmacology and analytical method development.

Primary fields of in vitro laboratory investigation include:

• AR Ligand Pharmacology: Benchmarking the compound against steroidal and nonsteroidal scaffolds (e.g., MK-2866, RAD-140) to define differential binding affinities and conformational outcomes.

• Signal Transduction Analysis: Investigating the consequences of AR activation in the absence of N/C interaction induction.

• Analytical Method Development: Serving as a standardized designer-drug analyte for the development of LC-MS/MS screening panels in forensic toxicology and anti-doping research.

• Myoblast Signaling Models: Utilizing C2C12 cell lines to study potential AR-mediated pathways that regulate muscle cell responses.

Storage & Handling Guidelines

To maintain the chemical stability and experimental reliability of the compound:

• Storage Environment: Maintain at -20°C for long-term stability.

• Environmental Control: Protect strictly from light, moisture, and high temperatures, which may impact the integrity of the steroidal scaffold.

• Handling: Treat as a research chemical with an undetermined toxicological profile; utilize standard laboratory safety protocols and PPE. Allow the container to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to minimize condensation.

Research Use Disclaimer

Research Use Only Disclaimer: This product is developed and distributed strictly as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reference chemical intended exclusively for non-clinical analytical and scientific investigation. It is not an FDA-approved drug, medical treatment, dietary supplement, or food ingredient, and is strictly prohibited for human or animal consumption. Kimera Chems supplies this high-purity research material solely to qualified institutions and professional investigators for authorized laboratory research.