YK11: Scientific Profile
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Selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) with a steroidal structure, investigated for its dual capacity to agonize the androgen receptor and inhibit myostatin signaling.
The compound YK11 represents a distinctive class within the selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) due to its core derived from modified 17α-methyl-19-nor-testosterone. In in vitro and preclinical research models, this agent has demonstrated a high affinity for the androgen receptor (AR), behaving as a partial agonist that promotes anabolic activity in specific tissues such as skeletal muscle and bone tissue, minimizing interaction with undesired androgen-dependent tissues.
A unique feature of YK11 documented in the literature is its ability to induce the expression of follistatin, an autocrine protein that acts as a potent inhibitor of myostatin. Myostatin is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily that limits muscle growth; therefore, YK11-mediated inhibition suggests synergistic potential for cellular hypertrophy beyond simple AR activation. Research on this compound focuses on models of muscle atrophy and bone fragility.
In laboratory settings, YK11 has been observed to significantly increase osteoblastic differentiation and bone mineralization, which positions it as a relevant candidate for research into skeletal degradation. It is essential to emphasize that the available data come strictly from controlled settings and there are no long-term clinical studies validating its safety or efficacy outside the field of chemical research.
Mechanism of action
YK11 acts as an androgen receptor (AR) agonist and simultaneously modulates gene expression. Unlike other SARMs, YK11 induces the synthesis of follistatin (FST) in muscle cells. Follistatin is a natural antagonist of myostatin; by binding to the latter, it prevents it from activating the activin receptor type IIB, thus removing the natural biological brake on satellite cell proliferation and on the synthesis of contractile proteins.
Mechanism summary
It exerts a dual anabolic action mediated by androgen receptor agonism and the induction of follistatin for the inhibition of myostatin.
Clinical Studies (5)
- YK11 promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and repair of bone defects (Wang R et al. · Journal of molecular endocrinology · 2025) PMID 39660819.
- YK11 induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in hippocampus: The interplay between a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and exercise (Dahleh MMM et al. · The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology · 2023) PMID 37468001.
- Myostatin inhibitor YK11 as a preventative health supplement for bacterial sepsis (Lee SJ et al. · Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2021) PMID 33588136.
- (17alpha,20E)-17,20-[(1-methoxyethylidene)bis(oxy)]-3-oxo-19-norpregna-4,20-diene-21-carboxylic acid methyl ester (YK11) is a partial agonist of the androgen receptor (Kanno, et al. · Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin · 2011) PMID 21372378.
- Selective androgen receptor modulator, YK11, regulates myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts by follistatin expression (Kanno, et al. · Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin · 2013) PMID 23995658.
Warnings
YK11 is a compound exclusively for research use (RUO); the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its use in the laboratory:
- Exclusive use for laboratory experimentation
- Requires monitoring of hepatic parameters in study subjects
- Highly bioactive material; handle with protective equipment
- Models with a history of hepatotoxicity
- Research subjects with hormone-dependent neoplasms
- Presence of pre-existing dyslipidemia in animal models
- Pregnancy or lactation in biological models
Technical data
- CAS
- 1370003-76-1
- Molecular formula
- C25H34O6
- Molecular weight
- 430.53 Da
- Compound type
- sarm
- Storage
- 15-25°C dry
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 24 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- Not applicable (Oral solid)
- Light-sensitive
- No
Available for research
YK11 is available as a research reagent (RUO):
Frequently asked questions about YK11
What is YK11?
Selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) with a steroidal structure, investigated for its dual capacity to agonize the androgen receptor and inhibit myostatin signaling.
What is the mechanism of action of YK11?
It exerts a dual anabolic action mediated by androgen receptor agonism and the induction of follistatin for the inhibition of myostatin.
What is YK11 researched for?
In preclinical research, YK11 is studied mainly in: Research on the inhibition of the myostatin pathway; Study of follistatin expression in myocytes; Modulation of musculoskeletal tissue in atrophy models. Material exclusively for scientific research.
What are the chemical properties of YK11?
Molecular formula C25H34O6; molecular weight 430.53 Da; CAS number 1370003-76-1.
How is YK11 stored?
Storage conditions: 15-25°C dry; lyophilized stability: 24 months; once reconstituted: Not applicable (Oral solid).
What routes of administration are studied for YK11?
In research models the following are described: Oral (Tablets/Suspension). Use is exclusively for scientific research.