The MyoD transcription factor is the central target in the signaling pathways that regulate muscle development. Although MyoD family members have been studied for decades in several muscle cell systems, the overall muscle differentiation program is still a strong area of focus to understand muscle decay. Because age and wound-induced muscle wasting, cachexia and myopathies are still incurable, accurate monitoring of MyoD activation in cells, tissues and animals is crucial for biomedical research and drug development.

