NFAT is a nerve activity sensor in skeletal muscle and controls activity-dependent myosin switching

Acute molecular response of mouse hindlimb muscles to chronic stimulation

Stimulation of the mouse hindlimb via the sciatic nerve was performed for a 4-h period to investigate acute muscle gene activation in a model of muscle phenotype conversion. Initial force production (1.6 +/- 0.1 g/g body wt) declined 45% within 10 min and was maintained for the remainder of the experiment. Force returned to initial levels upon study completion. An immediate-early growth response was present in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle (FOS, JUN, activating transcription factor 3, and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene) with a similar but attenuated pattern in the soleus muscle. Transcript profiles showed decreased fast fiber-specific mRNA (myosin heavy chains 2A and 2B, fast troponins T(3) and I, alpha-tropomyosin, muscle creatine kinase, and parvalbumin) and increased slow transcripts (myosin heavy chain-1beta/slow, troponin C slow, and tropomyosin 3y) in the EDL versus soleus muscles. Histological analysis of the EDL revealed glycogen depletion without inflammatory cell infiltration in stimulated versus control muscles, whereas ultrastructural analysis showed no evidence of myofiber damage after stimulation. Multiple fiber type-specific transcription factors (tea domain family member 1, nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha and -beta, circadian locomotor output cycles kaput, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha) increased in the EDL along with transcription factors characteristic of embryogenesis (Kruppel-like factor 4; SRY box containing 17; transcription factor 15; PBX/knotted 1 homeobox 1; and embryonic lethal, abnormal vision). No established in vivo satellite cell markers or genes activated in our parallel experiments of satellite cell proliferation in vitro (cyclins A(2), B(2), C, and E(1) and MyoD) were differentially increased in the stimulated muscles. These results indicated that the molecular onset of fast to slow phenotype conversion occurred in the EDL within 4 h of stimulation without injury or satellite cell recruitment. This conversion was associated with the expression of phenotype-specific transcription factors from resident fiber myonuclei, including the activation of nascent developmental transcriptional programs.

Multiple signalling pathways redundantly control glucose transporter GLUT4 gene transcription in skeletal muscle

Increased glucose transporter GLUT4 expression in skeletal muscle is an important benefit of regular exercise, resulting in improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), calcineurin and AMPK pathways have been implicated in GLUT4 gene regulation based on pharmacological evidence. Here, we have used a more specific genetic approach to establish the relative role of the three pathways in fast and slow muscles. Plasmids coding for protein inhibitors of CaMKII or calcineurin were co-transfected in vivo with a GLUT4 enhancer-reporter construct either in normal mice or in mice expressing a kinase dead (KD) AMPK mutant. GLUT4 reporter activity was not inhibited in the slow soleus muscle by blocking either CaMKII or calcineurin alone, but was inhibited by blocking both pathways. GLUT4 reporter activity was likewise unchanged in the soleus of KD-AMPK mice, but was significantly reduced by incapacitation of either CaMKII or calcineurin in these mice. On the other hand, in the fast tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, calcineurin appears to exert a prominent role in the control of GLUT4 reporter activity, independent of CaMKII and AMPK. The results point to a muscle type-specific and redundant regulation of GLUT4 enhancer based on the interplay of multiple signalling pathways, all of which are known to affect myocyte enhancing factor 2 (MEF2) transcriptional activity, a point of convergence of different pathways on muscle gene regulation.

Functional overload in ground squirrel plantaris muscle fails to induce myosin isoform shifts

We performed 2 wk of mechanical overload by synergist ablation on plantaris muscles from a small rodent hibernator, Spermophilus lateralis. While this muscle displays prominent myosin heavy-chain (MyHC) isoform shifts during hibernation, sensitivity to mechanical loading as a stimulus for muscle mass and isoform plasticity has not been demonstrated. Squirrel muscles, whether during hibernation or not, potentially are less sensitive to mechanical unloading, but we hypothesized that increased loading would produce the typical mammalian response of greater plantaris mass and MyHC shifts. Mechanical overload produced a 50% increase in muscle mass but, surprisingly, no changes in MyHC isoform protein or mRNA expression, despite previously observed fast-to-slow MyHC isoform switching during hibernation. Citrate synthase enzyme activity, as well as mRNA expression of creatine kinase and the muscle growth factor myostatin, were all unchanged. The mRNA expression of critical muscle atrophy genes decreased by 50% during hypertrophy, including ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx, and the related transcription factor FOXO-1a. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1alpha) mRNA expression was elevated by 400% and 150%. Fast-to-slow MyHC isoform shifts appear unnecessary to support the increased recruitment of the plantaris muscle, shifts which are seen in other rodent models. Our results are consistent with muscular activity during interbout arousals as a potential mechanism to preserve muscle mass, but illustrate the primary importance of other seasonal factors besides patterns of muscle activation which must act in concert to alter MyHC isoforms and muscle fiber type during hibernation.

Myostatin regulates fiber-type composition of skeletal muscle by regulating MEF2 and MyoD gene expression

Myostatin (Mstn) is a secreted growth factor belonging to the tranforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily. Inactivation of murine Mstn by gene targeting, or natural mutation of bovine or human Mstn, induces the double muscling (DM) phenotype. In DM cattle, Mstn deficiency increases fast glycolytic (type IIB) fiber formation in the biceps femoris (BF) muscle. Using Mstn null (−/−) mice, we suggest a possible mechanism behind Mstn-mediated fiber-type diversity. Histological analysis revealed increased type IIB fibers with a concomitant decrease in type IIA and type I fibers in the Mstn−/−tibialis anterior and BF muscle. Functional electrical stimulation of Mstn−/−BF revealed increased fatigue susceptibility, supporting increased type IIB fiber content. Given the role of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) in oxidative type I fiber formation, MEF2 levels in Mstn−/−tissue were quantified. Results revealed reduced MEF2C protein in Mstn−/−muscle and myoblast nuclear extracts. Reduced MEF2-DNA complex was also observed in electrophoretic mobility-shift assay using Mstn−/−nuclear extracts. Furthermore, reduced expression of MEF2 downstream target genes MLC1F and calcineurin were found in Mstn−/−muscle. Conversely, Mstn addition was sufficient to directly upregulate MLC promoter-enhancer activity in cultured myoblasts. Since high MyoD levels are seen in fast fibers, we analyzed MyoD levels in the muscle. In contrast to MEF2C, MyoD levels were increased in Mstn−/−muscle. Together, these results suggest that while Mstn positively regulates MEF2C levels, it negatively regulates MyoD expression in muscle. We propose that Mstn could regulate fiber-type composition by regulating the expression of MEF2C and MyoD during myogenesis.

Mitochondrial dynamics as a bridge between mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance

Muscle from obese subjects or from type 2 diabetic patients show mitochondrial dysfunction, and this may participate in the insulin resistance in those conditions. The mechanisms involved in mitochondrial dysfunction are not completely understood. Dynamic mitochondrial filaments or networks form by mitochondrial fusion and fission events. There is substantial evidence that proteins participating in mitochondrial fusion or fission also have a role in metabolism. Thus, mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) a mitochondrial fusion protein, stimulates respiration, substrate oxidation and OXPHOS subunits expression. In this regard, muscle from obese subjects, or from type 2 diabetic patients, show a reduced expression of Mfn2 and, amelioration of insulin sensitivity by bariatric surgery is associated with an increased Mfn2 expression in muscle. Here, we propose the hypothesis that mitochondrial dynamics proteins play a role in mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity or in type 2 diabetes and that it may also participate in the development of insulin resistance.

Chapter 2. Calcineurin signaling and the slow oxidative skeletal muscle fiber type

Calcineurin, also known as protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B), is a calcium-calmodulin-dependent phosphatase. It couples intracellular calcium to dephosphorylate selected substrates resulting in diverse biological consequences depending on cell type. In mammals, calcineurin's functions include neuronal growth, development of cardiac valves and hypertrophy, activation of lymphocytes, and the regulation of ion channels and enzymes. This chapter focuses on the key roles of calcineurin in skeletal muscle differentiation, regeneration, and fiber type conversion to an oxidative state, all of which are crucial to muscle development, metabolism, and functional adaptations. It seeks to integrate the current knowledge of calcineurin signaling in skeletal muscle and its interactions with other prominent regulatory pathways and their signaling intermediates to form a molecular overview that could provide directions for possible future exploitations in human metabolic health.

Bursting into the nucleus

An increase in extracellular Ca(2+) induces the nuclear localization of the Crz1 transcription factor and the activation of target genes in yeast. A recent study indicates that nuclear entry occurs in short stochastic bursts that are unsynchronized within the population of cells. The frequency but not the amplitude of the bursts is controlled by Ca(2+). Modulation of the frequency of the burst coordinates aspects of expression of Crz target genes.

Slow myosin heavy chain expression in the absence of muscle activity

Innervation has been generally accepted to be a major factor involved in both triggering and maintaining the expression of slow myosin heavy chain (MHC-1) in skeletal muscle. However, previous findings from our laboratory have suggested that, in the mouse, this is not always the case (30). Based on these results, we hypothesized that neurotomy would not markedly reduced the expression of MHC-1 protein in the mouse soleus muscles. In addition, other cellular, biochemical, and functional parameters were also studied in these denervated soleus muscles to complete our study. Our results show that denervation reduced neither the relative amount of MHC-1 protein, nor the percentage of muscle fibers expressing MHC-1 protein (P > 0.05). The fact that MHC-1 protein did not respond to muscle inactivity was confirmed in three different mouse strains (129/SV, C57BL/6, and CD1). In contrast, all of the other histological, biochemical, and functional muscle parameters were markedly altered by denervation. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers, maximal tetanic isometric force, maximal velocity of shortening, maximal power, and citrate synthase activity were all reduced in denervated muscles compared with innervated muscles (P < 0.05). Contraction and one-half relaxation times of the twitch were also increased by denervation (P < 0.05). Addition of tenotomy to denervation had no further effect on the relative expression of MHC-1 protein (P > 0.05), despite a greater reduction in CSA and citrate synthase activity (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a deficit in neural input leads to marked atrophy and reduction in performance in mouse soleus muscles. However, the maintenance of the relative expression of slow MHC protein is independent of neuromuscular activity in mice.

Differential integration of Ca2+-calmodulin signal in intact ventricular myocytes at low and high affinity Ca2+-calmodulin targets

Cardiac myocyte intracellular calcium varies beat-to-beat and calmodulin (CaM) transduces Ca2+ signals to regulate many cellular processes (e.g. via CaM targets such as CaM-dependent kinase and calcineurin). However, little is known about the dynamics of how CaM targets process the Ca2+ signals to generate appropriate biological responses in the heart. We hypothesized that the different affinities of CaM targets for the Ca2+-bound CaM (Ca2+-CaM) shape their actions through dynamic and tonic interactions in response to the repetitive Ca2+ signals in myocytes. To test our hypothesis, we used two fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensors, BsCaM-45 (Kd = approximately 45 nm) and BsCaM-2 (Kd = approximately 2 nm), to monitor the real time Ca2+-CaM dynamics at low and high affinity CaM targets in paced adult ventricular myocytes. Compared with BsCaM-2, BsCaM-45 tracks the beat-to-beat Ca2+-CaM alterations more closely following the Ca2+ oscillations at each myocyte contraction. When pacing frequency is raised from 0.1 to 1.0 Hz, the higher affinity BsCaM-2 demonstrates significant elevation of diastolic Ca2+-CaM binding compared with the lower affinity BsCaM-45. Biochemically detailed computational models of Ca2+-CaM biosensors in beating cardiac myocytes revealed that the different Ca2+-CaM binding affinities of BsCaM-2 and BsCaM-45 are sufficient to predict their differing kinetics and diastolic integration. Thus, data from both experiments and computational modeling suggest that CaM targets with low versus high Ca2+-CaM affinities (like CaM-dependent kinase versus calcineurin) respond differentially to the same Ca2+ signal (phasic versus integrating), presumably tuned appropriately for their respective and distinct Ca2+ signaling pathways.

dnRas stimulates autocrine-paracrine growth of regenerating muscle via calcineurin-NFAT-IL-4 pathway

Ras and calcineurin are members of two independent pathways in muscle growth but their interaction is not known. This work shows that the transfection of about 1% of the muscle fibers with dominant negative Ras (dnRas) shows a wilder effect; it stimulates the fiber growth in the entire regenerating soleus muscle, including the nontransfected fibers. Co-transfection with the calcineurin inhibitor cain/cabin prevented the growth stimulation. Injection of antibody for interleukin-4 (IL-4) also abolished the growth ameliorating effect. These results suggest that the inactivation of Ras in 1% of the fibers upregulates the calcineurin-NFAT-IL-4 pathway and the secreted IL-4 triggers fiber growth stimulation in the whole regenerating soleus muscle of the rat. The results highlight the importance of the autocrine-paracrine regulation in muscle regeneration and hint to a novel method of gene theraphy of degenerative-regenerative muscle dystrophies.

Cooperative synergy between NFAT and MyoD regulates myogenin expression and myogenesis

Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is involved in multiple aspects of skeletal muscle development and disease. The myogenic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, MyoD, myogenin, Myf5, and MRF4 specify the myogenic lineage. Here we show that calcineurin/NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) signaling is required for primary myogenesis by transcriptional cooperation with the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor MyoD. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is involved in myogenin expression in differentiating myoblasts, where the myogenic regulatory factor MyoD synergistically cooperates with NFATc2/c3 at the myogenin promoter. Using gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we identified two conserved NFAT binding sites in the myogenin promoter that were occupied by NFATc3 upon skeletal muscle differentiation. The transcriptional integration between NFATc3 and MyoD is crucial for primary myogenesis in vivo, as myogenin expression is weak in myod:nfatc3 double null embryos, whereas myogenin expression is unaffected in embryos with null mutations for either factor alone. Thus, the combined findings provide a novel transcriptional paradigm for the first steps of myogenesis, where a calcineurin/NFATc3 pathway regulates myogenin induction in cooperation with MyoD during myogenesis.

Pharmacological activation of PPARbeta promotes rapid and calcineurin-dependent fiber remodeling and angiogenesis in mouse skeletal muscle

Recent studies have shown that administration of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta (PPARbeta) agonists enhances fatty acid oxidation in rodent and human skeletal muscle and that muscle-restricted PPARbeta overexpression affects muscle metabolic profile by increasing oxidative myofiber number, which raises the possibility that PPARbeta agonists alter muscle morphology in adult animals. This possibility was examined in this study in which adult mice were treated with a PPARbeta agonist, and the resulting changes in myofiber metabolic phenotype and angiogenesis were quantified in tibialis anterior muscles. The findings indicate a muscle remodeling that is completed within 2 days and is characterized by a 1.63-fold increase in oxidative fiber number and by a 1.55-fold increase in capillary number. These changes were associated with a quick and transient upregulation of myogenic and angiogenic markers. Both myogenic and angiogenic responses were dependent on the calcineurin pathway, as they were blunted by cyclosporine A administration. In conclusion, the data indicate that PPARbeta activation is associated with a calcineurin-dependent effect on muscle morphology that enhances the oxidative phenotype.

Activity-dependent repression of muscle genes by NFAT

Adult skeletal muscles retain an adaptive capacity to switch between slow- and fast-twitch properties that largely depend on motoneuron activity. The NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) family of calcium-dependent transcription factors has been implicated in the up-regulation of genes encoding slow contractile proteins in response to slow-patterned motoneuron depolarization. Here, we demonstrate an unexpected, novel function of NFATc1 in slow-twitch muscles. Using the troponin I fast (TnIf) intronic regulatory element (FIRE), we identified sequences that down-regulate its function selectively in response to patterns of electrical activity that mimic slow motoneuron firing. A bona fide NFAT binding site in the TnIf FIRE was identified by site-directed mutations and by electrophoretic mobility and supershift assays. The activity-dependent transcriptional repression of FIRE is mediated through this NFAT site and, importantly, its mutation did not alter the up-regulation of TnIf transcription by fast-patterned activity. siRNA-mediated knockdown of NFATc1 in adult muscles resulted in ectopic activation of the FIRE in the slow soleus, without affecting enhancer activity in the fast extensor digitorum longus muscle. These findings demonstrate that NFAT can function as a repressor of fast contractile genes in slow muscles and they exemplify how an activity pattern can increase or decrease the expression of distinct contractile genes in a use-dependent manner as to enhance phenotypic differences among fiber types or induce adaptive changes in adult muscles.

The time course of denervation-induced changes is similar in soleus muscles of adult and old rats

Muscle denervation is accompanied by atrophy and a decline in oxidative capacity. We investigated whether the time course of adaptations following denervation of the soleus muscle differs in adult (5 months old) and older adult (25 months old) rats. We denervated the soleus muscle of the left leg, while the right leg served as an internal control. Two weeks after denervation, muscle mass was decreased both in adult and old animals to, respectively, 57% and 54% (p < 0.001) and capillary to fibre ratio (C:F) decreased to 51% and 50% (p < 0.01) of the control values. Yet, the capillary density was increased in older adult but not in adult muscles, indicating that the regression of the capillary bed during denervation lags behind the decrease in fibre size in the soleus muscle of the older rats. One week after denervation the optical density of sections stained for succinate dehydrogenase was 83% and 79% (p < 0.05) of control adult and older adult muscles, respectively, and then remained stable. This indicates that during the first week of denervation loss of oxidative capacity occurred at a relatively higher rate than that of muscle mass. No major changes occurred between 2 and 4 weeks of denervation, except for an increase in the proportion of hybrid (I/IIa) fibres in 4 week denervated muscles (adult 10% vs. 23%; old 1% vs. 13%; p < 0.05). Except for changes in capillarisation, the time course of atrophy and decrease in oxidative capacity following denervation was similar in soleus muscles from adult and old rats.

NFAT activation by membrane potential follows a calcium pathway distinct from other activity-related transcription factors in skeletal muscle cells

Depolarization of skeletal muscle cells triggers intracellular Ca2+ signals mediated by ryanodine and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors. Previously, we have reported that K+-induced depolarization activates transcriptional regulators ERK, cAMP response element-binding protein, c- fos, c- jun, and egr-1 through IP3-dependent Ca2+ release, whereas NF-κB activation is elicited by both ryanodine and IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ signals. We have further shown that field stimulation with electrical pulses results in an NF-κB activation increase dependent of the amount of pulses and independent of their frequency. In this work, we report the results obtained for nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-mediated transcription and translocation generated by both K+ and electrical stimulation protocols in primary skeletal muscle cells and C2C12 cells. The Ca2+ source for NFAT activation is through release by ryanodine receptors and extracellular Ca2+ entry. We found this activation to be independent of the number of pulses within a physiological range of stimulus frequency and enhanced by long-lasting low-frequency stimulation. Therefore, activation of the NFAT signaling pathway differs from that of NF-κB and other transcription factors. Calcineurin enzyme activity correlated well with the relative activation of NFAT translocation and transcription using different stimulation protocols. Furthermore, both K+-induced depolarization and electrical stimulation increased mRNA levels of the type 1 IP3 receptor mediated by calcineurin activity, which suggests that depolarization may regulate IP3 receptor transcription. These results confirm the presence of at least two independent pathways for excitation-transcription coupling in skeletal muscle cells, both dependent on Ca2+ release and triggered by the same voltage sensor but activating different intracellular release channels.

Gene doping

Gene doping is the misuse of gene therapy to enhance athletic performance. It has recently been recognised as a potential threat and subsequently been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Despite concerns with safety and efficacy of gene therapy, the technology is progressing steadily. Many of the genes/proteins which are involved in determining key components of athletic performance have been identified. Naturally occurring mutations in humans as well as gene-transfer experiments in adult animals have shown that altered expression of these genes does indeed affect physical performance. For athletes, however, the gains in performance must be weighed against the health risks associated with the gene-transfer process, whereas the detection of such practices will provide new challenges for the anti-doping authorities.

Thyroid hormone as a determinant of metabolic and contractile phenotype of skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscles are composed of several types of fibers with different contractile and metabolic properties. Genetic background and type of innervation of the fibers primarily determine these properties, but thyroid hormone (TH) is a powerful modulator of the fiber phenotype. The rates of contraction and relaxation are stimulated by TH, as are the energy consumption and heat production associated with activity. Quantitative and qualitative changes in substrate metabolism accommodate the increase in ATP turnover. Because of the total mass of skeletal muscle, these changes affect whole-body physiology. Although apparently straightforward, the phenotypic shifts induced by TH are highly complex and fiber specific. This review addresses the mechanisms by which TH may modulate fiber gene expression and discusses some of the implications of the TH-regulated changes in metabolic and contractile phenotype of skeletal muscle.

A naturally occurring calcineurin variant inhibits FoxO activity and enhances skeletal muscle regeneration

The calcium-activated phosphatase calcineurin (Cn) transduces physiological signals through intracellular pathways to influence the expression of specific genes. Here, we characterize a naturally occurring splicing variant of the CnAβ catalytic subunit (CnAβ1) in which the autoinhibitory domain that controls enzyme activation is replaced with a unique C-terminal region. The CnAβ1 enzyme is constitutively active and dephosphorylates its NFAT target in a cyclosporine-resistant manner. CnAβ1 is highly expressed in proliferating myoblasts and regenerating skeletal muscle fibers. In myoblasts, CnAβ1 knockdown activates FoxO-regulated genes, reduces proliferation, and induces myoblast differentiation. Conversely, CnAβ1 overexpression inhibits FoxO and prevents myotube atrophy. Supplemental CnAβ1 transgene expression in skeletal muscle leads to enhanced regeneration, reduced scar formation, and accelerated resolution of inflammation. This unique mode of action distinguishes the CnAβ1 isoform as a candidate for interventional strategies in muscle wasting treatment.

Transcription factors in muscle atrophy caused by blocked neuromuscular transmission and muscle unloading in rats

The muscle wasting associated with long-term intensive care unit (ICU) treatment has a negative effect on muscle function resulting in prolonged periods of rehabilitation and a decreased quality of life. To identify mechanisms behind this form of muscle wasting, we have used a rat model designed to mimic the conditions in an ICU. Rats were pharmacologically paralyzed with a postsynaptic blocker of neuromuscular transmission, and mechanically ventilated for one to two weeks, thereby unloading the limb muscles. Transcription factors were analyzed for cellular localization and nuclear concentration in the fast-twitch muscle extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and in the slow-twitch soleus. Significant muscle wasting and upregulation of mRNA for the ubiquitin ligases MAFbx and MuRF1 followed the treatment. The IkappaB family-member Bcl-3 displayed a concomitant decrease in concentration, suggesting altered kappaB controlled gene expression, although NFkappaB p65 was not significantly affected. The nuclear levels of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the thyroid receptor alpha1 (TRalpha1) were altered and also suggested as potential mediators of the MAFbx- and MuRF1-induction in the absence of induced Foxo1. We believe that this model, and the strategy of quantifying nuclear proteins, will provide a valuable tool for further, more detailed, analyses of the muscle wasting occurring in patients kept on a mechanical ventilator.

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin induces CCL5 secretion via the Toll-like receptor 2-NF-kappaB and -Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathways

In response to Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), CC chemokines are secreted from host cells to attract components of the innate and adaptive immune systems to the site of infection. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) has been shown to recognize M. bovis BCG and to initiate signaling pathways that result in enhanced secretion of CC chemokines. Despite the essential requirement of TLR2 in M. bovis BCG infection, the mechanisms by which it induces secretion of CC chemokines are not well defined. In this study, we report that stimulation of HEK293 cells expressing human TLR2 with M. bovis BCG resulted in increased CCL2 and CCL5 secretion, as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. M. bovis BCG infection resulted in the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the inhibition of JNK activity had a significant effect on M. bovis BCG-dependent CCL5 secretion in TLR2-expressing cells but no effect on M. bovis BCG-dependent CCL2 secretion from infected HEK293 cells expressing human TLR2. The M. bovis BCG-induced CCL5 release was attenuated by sulfasalazine (a well-described inhibitor of NF-kappaB activity), BAY 11-7082 (an IkappaB phosphorylation inhibitor), and ALLN (a well-described inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation that prevents degradation of IkappaB and eventually results in a lack of translocated NF-kappaB in the nucleus). In addition, stimulation of TLR2-expressing cells with M. bovis BCG resulted in translocation of NF-kappaB subunits from the cytoplasmic to the nuclear fraction, and stimulation of cells with M. bovis BCG activated IkappaB kinase alphabeta. These findings indicate that M. bovis BCG induces CCL5 production through mechanisms that include a TLR2-dependent component that requires JNK and NF-kappaB activities.

Quantitative trait loci mapping for meat quality and muscle fiber traits in a Japanese wild boar x Large White intercross

Three generations of a swine family produced by crossing a Japanese wild boar and three Large White female pigs were used to map QTL for various production traits. Here we report the results of QTL analyses for skeletal muscle fiber composition and meat quality traits based on phenotypic data of 353 F(2) animals and genotypic data of 225 markers covering almost the entire pig genome for all of the F(2) animals as well as their F(1) parents and F(0) grandparents. The results of a genome scan using least squares regression interval mapping provided evidence that QTL (<1% genome-wise error rate) affected the proportion of the number of type IIA muscle fibers on SSC2, the number of type IIB on SSC14, the relative area (RA) of type I on SSCX, the RA of type IIA on SSC6, the RA of type IIB on SSC6 and SSC14, the Minolta a* values of loin on SSC4 and SSC6, the Minolta b* value of loin on SSC15, and the hematin content of the LM on SSC6. Quantitative trait loci (<5% genome-wise error rate) were found for the number of type I on SSC1, SSC14, and SSCX, for the number of type IIA on SSC14, for the number of type IIB on SSC2, for the RA of type IIA on SSC2, for the Minolta b* value of loin on SSC3, for the pH of loin on SSC15, and for the i.m. fat content on SSC15. Twenty-four QTL were detected for 11 traits at the 5% genome-wise level. Some traits were associated with each other, so the 24 QTL were located on 11 genomic regions. In five QTL located on SSC2, SSC6, and SSC14, each wild boar allele had the effect of increasing types I and IIA muscle fibers and decreasing type IIB muscle fibers. These effects are expected to improve meat quality.

Activity-dependent signaling pathways controlling muscle diversity and plasticity

A variety of fiber types with different contractile and metabolic properties is present in mammalian skeletal muscle. The fiber-type profile is controlled by nerve activity via specific signaling pathways, whose identification may provide potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic and neuromuscular diseases.

Trophic action of sphingosine 1-phosphate in denervated rat soleus muscle

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) mediates a number of cellular responses, including growth and proliferation. Skeletal muscle possesses the full enzymatic machinery to generate S1P and expresses the transcripts of S1P receptors. The aim of this work was to localize S1P receptors in rat skeletal muscle and to investigate whether S1P exerts a trophic action on muscle fibers. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated the expression of S1P(1) and S1P(3) receptors by soleus muscle. Immunofluorescence revealed that S1P(1) and S1P(3) receptors are localized at the cell membrane of muscle fibers and in the T-tubule membranes. The receptors also decorate the nuclear membrane. S1P(1) receptors were also present at the neuromuscular junction. The possible trophic action of S1P was investigated by utilizing the denervation atrophy model. Rat soleus muscle was analyzed 7 and 14 days after motor nerve cut. During denervation, S1P was continuously delivered to the muscle through a mini osmotic pump. S1P and its precursor, sphingosine (Sph), significantly attenuated the progress of denervation-induced muscle atrophy. The trophic effect of Sph was prevented by N,N-dimethylsphingosine, an inhibitor of Sph kinase, the enzyme that converts Sph into S1P. Neutralization of circulating S1P by a specific antibody further demonstrated that S1P was responsible for the trophic effects of S1P during denervation atrophy. Denervation produced the down regulation of S1P(1) and S1P(3) receptors, regardless of the presence of the receptor agonist. In conclusion, the results suggest that S1P acts as a trophic factor of skeletal muscle.

Arpp/Ankrd2, a member of the muscle ankyrin repeat proteins (MARPs), translocates from the I-band to the nucleus after muscle injury

Ankyrin-repeat protein with a PEST motif and a proline-rich region (Arpp), also designated as Ankrd2, is a member of the muscle ankyrin repeat proteins (MARPs), which have been proposed to be involved in muscle stress response pathways. Arpp/Ankrd2 is localized mainly in the I-band of striated muscle. However, it has recently been reported that Arpp/Ankrd2 can interact with nuclear proteins, such as premyelocytic leukemia protein (PML), p53 and YB-1 in vitro. In this study, to determine whether nuclear accumulation of Arpp/Ankrd2 actually occurs, we performed an immunohistochemical investigation of gastrocnemius muscles that had been injured by injection of cardiotoxin or contact with dry ice. We found that Arpp/Ankrd2 accumulated in the nuclei of myofibers located adjacent to severely damaged myofibers after muscle injury. Double-labeled immunohistochemistry revealed that Arpp/Ankrd2 accumulated in the nuclei of sarcomere-damaged myofibers. Furthermore, we found that Arpp/Ankrd2 tended to be localized in euchromatin where genes are transcriptionally activated. Based on these findings, we suggest that Arpp/Ankrd2 may translocate from the I-band to the nucleus in response to muscle damage and may participate in the regulation of gene expression.

GATA elements control repression of cardiac troponin I promoter activity in skeletal muscle cells

Background

We reported previously that the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) promoter drives cardiac-specific expression of reporter genes in cardiac muscle cells and in transgenic mice, and that disruption of GATA elements inactivates the cTnI promoter in cultured cardiomyocytes. We have now examined the role of cTnI promoter GATA elements in skeletal muscle cells.

Results

Mutation or deletion of GATA elements induces a strong transcriptional activation of the cTnI promoter in regenerating skeletal muscle and in cultured skeletal muscle cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that proteins present in nuclear extracts of C2C12 muscle cells bind the GATA motifs present in the cTnI promoter. However, GATA protein complex formation is neither reduced nor supershifted by antibodies specific for GATA-2, -3 and -4, the only GATA transcripts present in muscle cells.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the cTnI gene promoter is repressed in skeletal muscle cells by GATA-like factors and open the way to further studies aimed at identifying these factors.

The transcriptional corepressor RIP140 regulates oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle

Nuclear receptor signaling plays an important role in energy metabolism. In this study we demonstrate that the nuclear receptor corepressor RIP140 is a key regulator of metabolism in skeletal muscle. RIP140 is expressed in a fiber type-specific manner, and manipulation of its levels in null, heterozygous, and transgenic mice demonstrate that low levels promote while increased expression suppresses the formation of oxidative fibers. Expression profiling reveals global changes in the expression of genes implicated in both myofiber phenotype and metabolic functions. Genes involved in fatty-acid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial biogenesis are upregulated in the absence of RIP140. Analysis of cultured myofibers demonstrates that the changes in expression are intrinsic to muscle cells and that nuclear receptor-regulated genes are direct targets for repression by RIP140. Therefore RIP140 is an important signaling factor in the regulation of skeletal muscle function and physiology.

Calcineurin differentially regulates fast myosin heavy chain genes in oxidative muscle fibre type conversion

In skeletal muscle, calcineurin is crucial for myocyte differentiation and in the determination of the slow oxidative fibre phenotype, both processes being important determinants of muscle performance, metabolic health and meat-animal production. Fibre type is defined by the isoform identity of the skeletal myosin heavy chain (MyHC). We have examined the responses of the major MyHC genes to calcineurin signalling during fibre formation of muscle C2C12 cells. We have found that calcineurin acts as a signal to up-regulate the fast-oxidative MyHC2a gene and to down-regulate the faster MyHC2x and MyHC2b genes in a manner that appears to be NFAT-independent. Contrary to expectation, the up-regulation of MyHCslow by calcineurin seems to be time-dependent and is only detectable once the initial differential expression of the post-natal fast MyHC genes has been established. The simultaneous elevated expression of MyHC2a and the repression of MyHC2x and MyHC2b expression indicate that both processes (elevation and repression) are actively coordinated during oxidative fibre conversion. We have further determined that muscle LIM protein (MLP), a calcineurin-binding Z-line co-factor, is induced by calcineurin and that its co-expression with calcineurin has an additive effect on MyHCslow expression. Hence, post-natal fast MyHCs are important early effector targets of calcineurin, whereas MyHCslow up-regulation is mediated in part by calcineurin-induced MLP.

A role for Insulin-like growth factor 2 in specification of the fast skeletal muscle fibre

Background

Fibre type specification is a poorly understood process beginning in embryogenesis in which skeletal muscle myotubes switch myosin-type to establish fast, slow and mixed fibre muscle groups with distinct function. Growth factors are required to establish slow fibres; it is unknown how fast twitch fibres are specified. Igf-2 is an embryonically expressed growth factor with established in vitro roles in skeletal muscle. Its localisation and role in embryonic muscle differentiation had not been established.

Results

Between E11.5 and E15.5 fast Myosin (FMyHC) localises to secondary myotubes evenly distributed throughout the embryonic musculature and gradually increasing in number so that by E15.5 around half contain FMyHC. The Igf-2 pattern closely correlates with FMyHC from E13.5 and peaks at E15.5 when over 90% of FMyHC+ myotubes also contain Igf-2. Igf-2 lags FMyHC and it is absent from muscle myotubes until E13.5. Igf-2 strongly down-regulates by E17.5. A striking feature of the FMyHC pattern is its increased heterogeneity and attenuation in many fibres from E15.5 to day one after birth (P1). Transgenic mice (MIG) which express Igf-2 in all of their myotubes, have increased FMyHC staining, a higher proportion of FMyHC+ myotubes and loose their FMyHC staining heterogeneity. In Igf-2 deficient mice (MatDi) FMyHC+ myotubes are reduced to 60% of WT by E15.5. In vitro, MIG induces a 50% excess of FMyHC+ and a 30% reduction of SMHyC+ myotubes in C2 cells which can be reversed by Igf-2-targeted ShRNA resulting in 50% reduction of FMyHC. Total number of myotubes was not affected.

Conclusion

In WT embryos the appearance of Igf-2 in embryonic myotubes lags FMyHC, but by E15.5 around 45% of secondary myotubes contain both proteins. Forced expression of Igf-2 into all myotubes causes an excess, and absence of Igf-2 suppresses, the FMyHC+ myotube component in both embryonic muscle and differentiated myoblasts. Igf-2 is thus required, not for initiating secondary myotube differentiation, but for establishing the correct proportion of FMyHC+ myotubes during fibre type specification (E15.5 - P1). Since specific loss of FMyHC fibres is associated with many skeletal muscle pathologies these data have important medical implications.

Structure of Calcineurin in Complex with PVIVIT Peptide: Portrait of a Low-affinity Signalling Interaction

The protein phosphatase calcineurin recognizes a wide assortment of substrates and controls diverse developmental and physiological pathways in eukaryotic cells. Dephosphorylation of the transcription factor NFAT and certain other calcineurin substrates depends on docking of calcineurin at a PxIxIT consensus site. We describe here the structural basis for recognition of the PxIxIT sequence by calcineurin. We demonstrate that the high-affinity peptide ligand PVIVIT adds as a beta-strand to the edge of a beta-sheet of calcineurin; that short peptide segments containing the PxIxIT consensus sequence suffice for calcineurin-substrate docking; and that sequence variations within the PxIxIT core modulate the K(d) of the interaction within the physiological range 1 microM to 1 mM. Calcineurin can adapt to a wide variety of substrates, because recognition requires only a PxIxIT sequence and because variation within the core PxIxIT sequence can fine-tune the affinity to match the physiological signalling requirements of individual substrates.

Activation of the beta myosin heavy chain promoter by MEF-2D, MyoD, p300, and the calcineurin/NFATc1 pathway

Calcium is a key element in intracellular signaling in skeletal muscle. Changes in intracellular calcium levels are thought to mediate the fast-to-slow transformation of muscle fiber type. One factor implicated in gene regulation in adult muscle is the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) isoform c1, whose dephosphorylation by the calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin facilitates its nuclear translocation. Here, we report that differentiated C2C12 myotubes predominantly expressing fast-type MyHCII protein undergo fast-to-slow transformation following calcium-ionophore treatment, with several transcription factors and a transcriptional coactivator acting in concert to upregulate the slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) beta promoter. Transient transfection assays demonstrated that the calcineurin/NFATc1 signaling pathway is essential for MyHCbeta promoter activation during transformation of C2C12 myotubes but is not sufficient for complete fast MyHCIId/x promoter inhibition. Along with NFATc1, myocyte enhancer factor-2D (MEF-2D) and the myogenic transcription factor MyoD transactivated the MyHCbeta promoter in calcium-ionophore-treated myotubes in a calcineurin-dependent manner. To elucidate the mechanism involved in regulating MyHCbeta gene expression, we analyzed the -2.4-kb MyHCbeta promoter construct for cis-regulatory elements. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP), and nuclear complex coimmunoprecipitation (NCcoIP) assays, we demonstrated calcium-ionophore-induced binding of NFATc1 to a NFAT consensus site adjacent to a MyoD-binding E-box. At their respective binding sites, both NFATc1 and MyoD recruited the transcriptional coactivator p300, and in turn, MEF-2D bound to the MyoD complex. The calcium-ionophore-induced effects on the MyHCbeta promoter were shown to be calcineurin-dependent. Together, our findings demonstrate calcium-ionophore-induced activation of the beta MyHC promoter by NFATc1, MyoD, MEF-2D, and p300 in a calcineurin-dependent manner.

Signaling mechanisms involved in disuse muscle atrophy

Prolonged periods of skeletal muscle inactivity due to bed rest, denervation, hindlimb unloading, immobilization, or microgravity can result in significant muscle atrophy. The muscle atrophy is characterized as decreased muscle fiber cross-sectional area and protein content, reduced force, increased insulin resistance as well as a slow to fast fiber type transition. The decreases in protein synthesis and increases in protein degradation rates account for the majority of the rapid loss of muscle protein due to disuse. However, we are just beginning to pay more attention on the identification of genes involved in triggering initial responses to physical inactivity/microgravity. Our review mainly focuses on the signaling pathways involved in protein loss during disuse atrophy, including two recently identified ubiquitin ligases: muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx). Recent reports suggest that inhibition of the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway in muscle may be involved in the progression of disuse atrophy. NF-kappaB seems to be a key intracellular signal transducer in disuse atrophy. Factors such as myostatin, p38 and calcineurin can induce muscle protein loss under specified conditions, but further experiments are needed to determine whether they are necessary components of disuse atrophy. Where possible, the molecular mechanisms underlying the slow to fast fiber type transition and increased insulin resistance in atrophic muscles are discussed as well. Collectively, the disuse-induced muscle atrophy is a highly ordered process that is controlled by interactions between intracellular signaling pathways rather than isolated pathways.

Genetic disruption of calcineurin improves skeletal muscle pathology and cardiac disease in a mouse model of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy

Calcineurin (Cn) is a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase that regulates differentiation-specific gene expression in diverse tissues, including the control of fiber-type switching in skeletal muscle. Recent studies have implicated Cn signaling in diminishing skeletal muscle pathogenesis associated with muscle injury or disease-related muscle degeneration. For example, use of the Cn inhibitor cyclosporine A has been shown to delay muscle regeneration following toxin-induced injury and inhibit regeneration in the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In contrast, transgenic expression of an activated mutant of Cn in skeletal muscle was shown to increase utrophin expression and reduce overall disease pathology in mdx mice. Here we examine the effect of altered Cn activation in the context of the delta-sarcoglycan-null (scgd(-/-)) mouse model of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. In contrast to results discussed in mdx mice, genetic deletion of a loxP-targeted calcineurin B1 (CnB1) gene using a skeletal muscle-specific cre allele in the scgd(-/-) background substantially reduced skeletal muscle degeneration and histopathology compared with the scgd(-/-) genotype alone. A similar regression in scgd-dependent disease manifestation was also observed in calcineurin Abeta (CnAbeta) gene-targeted mice in both skeletal muscle and heart. Conversely, increased Cn expression using a muscle-specific transgene increased cardiac fibrosis, decreased cardiac ventricular shortening, and increased muscle fiber loss in the quadriceps. Our results suggest that inhibition of Cn may benefit select types of muscular dystrophy.

The role of muscle activation pattern and calcineurin in acetylcholinesterase regulation in rat skeletal muscles

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expression in fast rat muscles is approximately fourfold higher than in slow muscles. We examined whether different muscle activation patterns are responsible for this difference and whether the calcineurin signaling pathway is involved in AChE regulation. The slow soleus and fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were directly or indirectly stimulated by a tonic low-frequency or a phasic high-frequency pattern of electric impulses. The phasic, but not tonic, stimulation increased the AChE mRNA levels in denervated soleus muscles to those in the normal EDL and maintained high levels of AChE mRNA in denervated EDL muscles. Therefore, muscle activation pattern is the predominant regulator of extrajunctional AChE expression in rat muscles. Indirect phasic stimulation of innervated muscles, imposed on their natural pattern of neural activation, did not increase the AChE transcript levels in the soleus, whereas a 30% reduction was observed in the EDL muscles. A low number of impulses per day is therefore prerequisite for high AChE expression. Treatment by tacrolimus and cyclosporin A, two inhibitors of calcineurin (but not by a related substance rapamycin, which does not inhibit calcineurin), increased the levels of AChE transcripts in the control soleus muscles and in tonically electrically stimulated soleus and EDL muscles, even to reach those in the control EDL muscles. Therefore, tonic muscle activation reduces the extrajunctional levels of AChE transcripts by activating the calcineurin signaling pathway. In denervated soleus and EDL muscles, tacrolimus did not prevent the reduction of AChE mRNA levels, indicating that a calcineurin-independent suppressive mechanism was involved.

Calcium microdomains and gene expression in neurons and skeletal muscle cells

Neurons generate particular calcium microdomains in response to different stimuli. Calcium microdomains have a central role in a variety of neuronal functions. In particular, calcium microdomains participate in long-lasting synaptic plasticity--a neuronal response presumably correlated with cognitive brain functions that requires expression of new gene products. Stimulation of skeletal muscle generates - with few milliseconds delay - calcium microdomains that have a central role in the ensuing muscle contraction. In addition, recent evidence indicates that sustained stimulation of skeletal muscle cells in culture generates calcium microdomains, which stimulate gene expression but not muscle contraction. The mechanisms whereby calcium microdomains activate signaling cascades that lead to the transcription of genes known to participate in specific cellular responses are the central topic of this review. Thus, we will discuss here the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, which via activation of particular calcium-dependent transcription factors regulate the expression of specific genes or set of genes in neurons or skeletal muscle cells.

Toll-like receptors differentially regulate CC and CXC chemokines in skeletal muscle via NF-kappaB and calcineurin

Immunologically active molecules such as cytokines and chemokines have been implicated in skeletal muscle weakness during sepsis as well as recovery from muscle injury. In sepsis, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) act as key sentinel molecules of the innate immune system. Here we determined skeletal muscle cell responses of two prototypical CC and CXC chemokine genes (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP-1] and KC, respectively), to stimulation with specific TLR ligands. In addition, we examined whether NF-kappaB and calcineurin signaling are involved in these responses. Differentiated myotubes and intact whole muscles expressed TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9. Stimulation with ligands for TLR2 (peptidoglycan) or TLR4 (LPS) elicited robust and equivalent levels of MCP-1 and KC mRNA expression, whereas stimulation of TLR5 (by flagellin) required gamma interferon priming to induce similar effects. Although both TLR2 and TLR4 ligands activated the NF-kappaB pathway, NF-kappaB reporter activity was approximately 20-fold greater after TLR4 stimulation than after TLR2 stimulation. Inhibitory effects of NF-kappaB blockade on TLR-mediated chemokine gene expression, by either pharmacological (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) or molecular (IKKbeta dominant-negative transfection) methods, were also more pronounced during TLR4 stimulation. In contrast, inhibitory effects on TLR-mediated chemokine expression of calcineurin blockade (by FK506) were greater for TLR2 than for TLR4 stimulation. MCP-1 and KC mRNA levels also demonstrated differential responses to NF-kappaB and calcineurin blockade during stimulation with specific TLR ligands. We conclude that skeletal muscle cells differentially utilize the NF-kappaB and calcineurin pathways in a TLR-specific manner to enable complex regulation of CC and CXC chemokine gene expression.

Heart failure alters MyoD and MRF4 expressions in rat skeletal muscle

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by a skeletal muscle myopathy with increased expression of fast myosin heavy chains (MHCs). The skeletal muscle-specific molecular regulatory mechanisms controlling MHC expression during HF have not been described. Myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), a family of transcriptional factors that control the expression of several skeletal muscle-specific genes, may be related to these alterations. This investigation was undertaken in order to examine potential relationships between MRF mRNA expression and MHC protein isoforms in Wistar rat skeletal muscle with monocrotaline-induced HF. We studied soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from both HF and control Wistar rats. MyoD, myogenin and MRF4 contents were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction while MHC isoforms were separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Despite no change in MHC composition of Wistar rat skeletal muscles with HF, the mRNA relative expression of MyoD in Sol and EDL muscles and that of MRF4 in Sol muscle were significantly reduced, whereas myogenin was not changed in both muscles. This down-regulation in the mRNA relative expression of MRF4 in Sol was associated with atrophy in response to HF while these alterations were not present in EDL muscle. Taken together, our results show a potential role for MRFs in skeletal muscle myopathy during HF.

The denervated muscle: facts and hypotheses. A historical review

Denervation changes in skeletal muscle (atrophy; alterations of myofibrillar expression, muscle membrane electrical properties, ACh sensitivity and excitation-contraction coupling process; fibrillation), and their possible causes are reviewed. All changes can be counteracted by muscle electrostimulation, while denervation-like effects can be caused by the complete conduction block in muscle nerve. These results do not support the hypothesis that the lack of neurotrophic, non-motor factors plays a role in denervation phenomena. Instead they support the view that the lack of neuromotor discharge is the only cause of the phenomena and that neuromotor activity is an essential factor in regulating muscle properties. However, some experimental results cannot apparently be explained by the lack of neuromotor impulses, and may still suggest that neurotrophic influences exist. A hypothesis is that neurotrophic factors, too feeble to maintain a role in completely differentiated, adult muscles, can concur with neuromotor activity in the differentiation of immature, developing muscles.

FGF6 in myogenesis

Important functions in myogenesis have been proposed for FGF6, a member of the fibroblast growth factor family accumulating almost exclusively in the myogenic lineage. However, the analyses of Fgf6 (-/-) mutant mice gave contradictory results and the role of FGF6 during myogenesis remained largely unclear. Recent reports support the concept that FGF6 has a dual function in muscle regeneration, stimulating myoblast proliferation/migration and muscle differentiation/hypertrophy in a dose-dependent manner. The alternative use of distinct signaling pathways recruiting either FGFR1 or FGFR4 might explain the dual role of FGF6 in myogenesis. A role for FGF6 in the maintenance of a reserve pool of progenitor cells in the skeletal muscle has been also strongly suggested. The aim of this review is to summarize our knowledge on the involvement of FGF6 in myogenesis.

Protein kinase C theta co-operates with calcineurin in the activation of slow muscle genes in cultured myogenic cells

Adult skeletal muscle fibers can be divided into fast and slow twitch subtypes on the basis of specific contractile and metabolic properties, and on distinctive patterns of muscle gene expression. The calcium, calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin, stimulates slow fiber-specific genes (myoglobin (Mb), troponin I slow) in cultured skeletal muscle cells, as well as in transgenic mice, through the co-operation of peroxisome-proliferation-activator receptor gamma co-activator 1alpha (PGC1alpha) myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factors. Specific protein kinase C isoforms have been shown to functionally co-operate with calcineurin in different cellular models. We investigated whether specific protein kinase C isoforms are involved in calcineurin-induced slow skeletal muscle gene expression. By pharmacological inhibition or exogenous expression of mutant forms, we show that protein kinase C theta (the protein kinase C isoform predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle) is required and co-operates with calcineurin in the activation of the Mb promoter, as well as in the induction of slow isoforms of myosin and troponin I expression, in cultured muscle cells. This co-operation acts primarily regulating MEF2 activity, as shown by using reporter gene expression driven by the Mb promoter mutated in the specific binding sites. MEF2 activity on the Mb promoter is known to be dependent on both PGC1alpha and inactivation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) activity. We show in this study that protein kinase C theta is required for, even though it does not co-operate in, PGC1alpha-dependent Mb activation. Importantly, protein kinase C theta regulates the HDAC5 nucleus/cytoplasm location. We conclude that protein kinase C theta ensures maximal activation of MEF2, by regulating both MEF2 transcriptional complex formation and HDACs nuclear export.

Maintenance of slow type I myosin protein and mRNA expression in overwintering prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus and ludovicianus) and black bears (Ursus americanus)

Hibernating mammals have the remarkable ability to withstand long periods of fasting and reduced activity with dramatic maintenance of skeletal muscle function and protein composition. We investigated several hindlimb muscles of white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) and black bears (Ursus americanus), two very different hibernators who are dormant and fasting during winter. The black-tailed prairie dog (C. ludovicianus) remains active during winter, but suffers minor skeletal muscle atrophy; nevertheless, they also demonstrate apparent skeletal muscle adaptations. Using SDS-PAGE, we measured myosin protein isoform profiles before and after the hibernation season. All species maintained or increased levels of slow myosin, despite the collective physiological challenges of hypophagia and reduced activity. This contrasts markedly with standard mammalian models of skeletal muscle inactivity and atrophy predicting significant loss of slow myosin. A mechanism for changes in myosin isoforms was investigated using reverse-transcription PCR, following partial sequencing of the adult MHC isoforms in C. leucurus and U. americanus. However, mRNA expression was not well correlated with changes in MHC protein isoforms, and other synthesis and degradation pathways may be involved besides transcriptional control. The muscles of hibernating mammals demonstrate surprising and varied physiological responses to inactivity and atrophy with respect to slow MHC expression.

Signaling Pathways in Skeletal Muscle Remodeling

Skeletal muscle is comprised of heterogeneous muscle fibers that differ in their physiological and metabolic parameters. It is this diversity that enables different muscle groups to provide a variety of functional properties. In response to environmental demands, skeletal muscle remodels by activating signaling pathways to reprogram gene expression to sustain muscle performance. Studies have been performed using exercise, electrical stimulation, transgenic animal models, disease states, and microgravity to show genetic alterations and transitions of muscle fibers in response to functional demands. Various components of calcium-dependent signaling pathways and multiple transcription factors, coactivators and corepressors have been shown to be involved in skeletal muscle remodeling. Understanding the mechanisms involved in modulating skeletal muscle phenotypes can potentiate the development of new therapeutic measures to ameliorate muscular diseases.

NFATc1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is controlled by nerve activity in skeletal muscle

Calcineurin-NFAT signaling has been shown to control activity-dependent muscle gene regulation and induce a program of gene expression typical of slow oxidative muscle fibers. Following Ca2+-calmodulin stimulation, calcineurin dephosphorylates NFAT proteins and induces their translocation into the nucleus. However, NFAT nuclear translocation has never been investigated in skeletal muscle in vivo. To determine whether NFATc1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling depends on muscle activity, we transfected fast and slow mouse muscles with plasmids coding for an NFATc1-GFP fusion protein. We found that NFATc1-GFP has a predominantly cytoplasmic localization in the fast tibialis anterior muscle but a predominantly nuclear localization in the slow soleus muscle, with a characteristic focal intranuclear distribution. Two hours of complete inactivity, induced by denervation or anaesthesia, cause NFATc1 export out of the nucleus in soleus muscle fibers, whereas electrostimulation of tibialis anterior with a low-frequency tonic impulse pattern, mimicking the firing pattern of slow motor neurons, causes NFATc1 nuclear translocation. The activity-dependent nuclear import and export of NFATc1 is a rapid event, as visualized directly in vivo by two-photon microscopy. The calcineurin inhibitor cain/cabin1 causes nuclear export of NFATc1 both in normal soleus and stimulated tibialis anterior muscle. These findings support the notion that in skeletal muscle NFATc1 is a calcineurin-dependent nerve activity sensor.

Targeted inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin signaling exacerbates the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mouse muscle

In this study, we crossbred mdx mice with transgenic mice expressing a small peptide inhibitor for calmodulin (CaM), known as the CaM-binding protein (CaMBP), driven by the slow fiber-specific troponin I slow promoter. This strategy allowed us to determine the impact of interfering with Ca(2+)/CaM-based signaling in dystrophin-deficient slow myofibers. Consistent with impairments in the Ca(2+)/CaM-regulated enzymes calcineurin and Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent kinase, the nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor of activated T-cell c1 and myocyte enhancer factor 2C was reduced in slow fibers from mdx/CaMBP mice. We also detected significant reductions in the levels of peroxisome proliferator gamma co-activator 1alpha and GA-binding protein alpha mRNAs in slow fiber-rich soleus muscles of mdx/CaMBP mice. In parallel, we observed significantly lower expression of myosin heavy chain I mRNA in mdx/CaMBP soleus muscles. This correlated with fiber-type shifts towards a faster phenotype. Examination of mdx/CaMBP slow muscle fibers revealed significant reductions in A-utrophin, a therapeutically relevant protein that can compensate for the lack of dystrophin in skeletal muscle. In accordance with lower levels of A-utrophin, we noted a clear exacerbation of the dystrophic phenotype in mdx/CaMBP slow fibers as exemplified by several pathological indices. These results firmly establish Ca(2+)/CaM-based signaling as key to regulating expression of A-utrophin in muscle. Furthermore, this study illustrates the therapeutic potential of using targets of Ca(2+)/CaM-based signaling as a strategy for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Finally, our results further support the concept that strategies aimed at promoting the slow oxidative myofiber program in muscle may be effective in altering the relentless progression of DMD.

PPAR delta: a dagger in the heart of the metabolic syndrome

Obesity is a growing threat to global health by virtue of its association with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, collectively known as the metabolic syndrome or syndrome X. The nuclear receptors PPARalpha and PPARgamma are therapeutic targets for hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance, respectively, and drugs that modulate these receptors are currently in clinical use. More recent work on the less-described PPAR isotype PPARdelta has uncovered a dual benefit for both hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance, highlighting the broad potential of PPARdelta in the treatment of metabolic disease. PPARdelta enhances fatty acid catabolism and energy uncoupling in adipose tissue and muscle, and it suppresses macrophage-derived inflammation. Its combined activities in these and other tissues make it a multifaceted therapeutic target for the metabolic syndrome with the potential to control weight gain, enhance physical endurance, improve insulin sensitivity, and ameliorate atherosclerosis.