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Arslan K, Daldaban F, Yalcintan H, Kecici PD, Ozturk B, Ekiz B, Akyuz B. Relationship between the expression levels of myogenic regulatory factor genes and carcass characteristics in Kivircik and Hungarian Merino lambs. Anim Biotechnol 2025; 36:2479690. [PMID: 40122069 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2025.2479690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2025] [Accepted: 03/10/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of the myogenic regulatory genes MYOD1, MYOG, MYF5, MYF6, and MSTN in longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as the correlation of the expression levels of these genes with carcass characteristics and growth performance in the Kivircik and Hungarian Merino sheep breeds. The expression levels of the MYF5, MYF6, and MYOG genes were found to be significantly correlated with the rib proportion, the expression level of the MYOG gene was identified as being the main determinant of variations in the rib proportion in the Kivircik lambs. The regression analysis results revealed that the expression levels of the MYF5 and MSTN genes played an essential role in determining the cold carcass dressing percentage in Hungarian Merino lambs. Further, as a result of the regression analysis, the model including the expression level of the MYF6 gene demonstrated that this gene could be responsible for 36.4% of the differences observed in cold carcass weight. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the expression levels of the MYF5, MYF6, and MYOG genes were associated with various carcass traits, particularly in the Kivircik breed, and these genes hold potential as markers for enhancing breed productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korhan Arslan
- Department of Genetics, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Hulya Yalcintan
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pembe Dilara Kecici
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bekir Ozturk
- Pınarhisar District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Kırklareli, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ekiz
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilal Akyuz
- Department of Genetics, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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2
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Li L, Zhang T, Farhab M, Xia XX, Reza AMMT, Kyaw PO, Chen F, Aly Sayed Ismail E, Xue G, Zhong P, Cheng Y, Yuan YG. Comprehensive analysis of circRNAs and lncRNAs involvement in the development of skeletal muscle in myostatin-deficient rabbits. Anim Biotechnol 2025; 36:2465624. [PMID: 40009466 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2025.2465624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2025]
Abstract
Myostatin (MSTN) protein, lncRNAs, and circRNAs regulate skeletal muscle growth and development. This work aims to compare the expression patterns of circRNAs and lncRNAs in the gluteus maximus tissue of wild-type (WT) and MSTN gene knockout (KO) rabbits. Within the gluteus maximus tissue of three WT and four MSTN KO rabbits, we analyzed the expression profiles of circRNAs and lncRNAs. After identifying the differently expressed RNAs, the biological pathways implicated were ascertained by performing enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO). We identified differences in the expression of 251 circRNAs (79 upregulated and 172 downregulated), 176 lncRNAs (53 upregulated and 123 downregulated), and 1178 mRNAs (408 upregulated and 770 downregulated) between WT and MSTN KO rabbits. Target genes were significantly enriched in pathways associated with protein synthesis and catabolism, such as oxidative phosphorylation, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, the FoxO signaling pathway, and the pentose phosphate pathway, as identified through GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The constructed network indicates that a class of circRNAs and lncRNAs is engaged in MSTN-mediated regulation of skeletal muscle development. These findings provide valuable insights for innovative therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive approaches to muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, China
| | - Muhammad Farhab
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
| | - Abu Musa Md Talimur Reza
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, Republic of Turkiye
| | - Paing Oo Kyaw
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fenglei Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
| | | | - Gang Xue
- Nantong City Haimen District Yangtze River Delta White Goat Breeding Research Institute, Jiangsu, Nantong, China
| | - Ping Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China
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3
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Porczak AE, Feng NY. Hibernation as a model for skeletal muscle preservation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2025. [PMID: 40490972 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2025]
Abstract
Hibernation is an extreme adaptation that enables a diverse array of mammalian species to survive long-term nutrient deprivation. In many seasonal hibernators, winter hibernation is characterized by prolonged periods of immobility and starvation, conditions that induce muscular atrophy in nonhibernating animals. In humans, factors that contribute to muscle atrophy include muscle disuse under conditions of bedrest, casting, paralysis, microgravity, as well as aging. In laboratory mice and rats, muscle disuse can be induced by hindlimb unloading or casting-experimental paradigms that have revealed the molecular basis of muscle atrophy. Remarkably, hibernating mammals experience reduced atrophy and maintain muscle ultrastructure and function despite months of immobility and starvation, serving as excellent models for investigating protective mechanisms for muscular atrophy resistance. In this review, we explore skeletal muscle homeostasis at multiple levels of biological organization, from function, neural innervation, gross anatomy, cellular differentiation, ultrastructure, to biochemical pathways regulating regeneration, growth, and degeneration. At each level, we compare known mechanisms in hibernators, laboratory rodents, and humans. Finally, we highlight gaps in knowledge and propose future areas of investigation for elucidating mechanisms of muscle atrophy resistance in hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ni Y Feng
- Department of Biology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, USA
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, USA
- College of Integrative Sciences, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, USA
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Nasrollahzadeh Saravi M, Mohseni M, Menbari Oskouie I, Razavi J, Delgado Cidranes E, Majidi Zolbin M. Exosome Therapy in Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Biomedicines 2025; 13:1229. [PMID: 40427055 PMCID: PMC12108756 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13051229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2025] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine when bladder pressure exceeds urethral closing pressure during routine activities such as physical exertion, coughing, exercise, or sneezing. SUI is the most prevalent form of urinary incontinence, with a reported prevalence ranging from 10% to 70%, and its incidence increases with age. As the global population continues to age, the prevalence and clinical significance of SUI are expected to rise accordingly. The pathophysiology of SUI is primarily driven by two mechanisms: urethral hypermobility, resulting from compromised supporting structures, and intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency, characterized by the deterioration of urethral mucosa and muscle tone. Current treatment options for SUI include conservative management strategies, which heavily rely on patient adherence and are associated with high recurrence rates, and surgical interventions, such as sling procedures, which offer effective solutions but are costly and carry the risk of adverse side effects. These limitations highlight the urgent need for more effective and comprehensive treatment modalities. Exosomes, nano-sized (30-150 nm) extracellular vesicles secreted by nearly all cell types, have emerged as a novel therapeutic option due to their regenerative, anti-fibrotic, pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypoxic properties. These biological functions position exosomes as a promising alternative to conventional therapies for SUI. Exosome therapy has the potential to enhance tissue regeneration, restore urethral function, and repair nerve and muscle damage, thereby reducing symptom burden and improving patients' quality of life. Additionally, exosome-based treatments could offer a less invasive alternative to surgery, potentially decreasing the need for repeated interventions and minimizing complications associated with current procedures. In this literature review, we critically assess the current state of research on the potential use of exosomes in treating SUI, highlighting their therapeutic mechanisms and potential clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahdi Mohseni
- Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733151, Iran; (M.N.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Iman Menbari Oskouie
- Urology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733151, Iran;
| | - Jafar Razavi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733141, Iran;
| | - Ernesto Delgado Cidranes
- Pain Management Department, University Hospital Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa, 28010 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Masoumeh Majidi Zolbin
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733151, Iran
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Piemonte F, Petrillo S, Capasso A, Coratti G, D'Amico A, Catteruccia M, Pera MC, Palermo C, Pane M, Abiusi E, Cicala G, Villa M, Bravetti C, Arpaia C, Novelli A, Falqui S, Fiori S, Napoli G, Baroni S, Tiziano FD, Bertini E, Comi G, Corti S, Mercuri E. Myostatin Levels in SMA Following Disease-Modifying Treatments: A Multi-Center Study. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2025. [PMID: 40368588 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.70070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2025] [Revised: 04/17/2025] [Accepted: 04/20/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated myostatin levels in SMA patients receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to understand their relationship with treatment duration and functional status. METHODS Our study includes both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of myostatin levels in treated SMA patients. The longitudinal cohort included 46 treatment-naive patients assessed at baseline and 12 months post-treatment. Myostatin levels were measured using ELISA. Age-matched controls (n = 89) were included for comparison. The cross-sectional study included 128 patients with variable durations of treatment (from 0.4 to 7.2 years). In both cohorts, myostatin levels were correlated with SMA type, functional status, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Baseline myostatin levels were significantly lower than controls (p < 0.001), except during the neonatal period in presymptomatic patients. After 12 months of treatment, there were no significant changes compared to baseline levels (p = 0.1652). The only substantial changes were observed in presymptomatic neonates, who showed a reduction of myostatin despite treatment intervention. There was a significant correlation between myostatin levels, functional status, and SMA type both in the cross-sectional and longitudinal groups. INTERPRETATION This study demonstrates lower myostatin levels in SMA patients compared to controls. The association between myostatin levels, functional status, and SMA type suggests its possible role as a disease severity biomarker. The utility of myostatin as a biomarker for DMT response remains controversial; while we observed no significant increase in myostatin levels following treatment, we also did not observe the progressive reduction previously reported in untreated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Piemonte
- Department of Neurosciences, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Capasso
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Department of Neurosciences, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Catteruccia
- Department of Neurosciences, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Pera
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Concetta Palermo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Villa
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Bravetti
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Arpaia
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Novelli
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Falqui
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Fiori
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Napoli
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive Care and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Baroni
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive Care and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, "A. Gemelli" Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Hematologic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Department of Neurosciences, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Comi
- SSD Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- SSD Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Mastaitis JW, Gomez D, Raya JG, Li D, Min S, Stec M, Kleiner S, McWilliams T, Altarejos JY, Murphy AJ, Yancopoulos GD, Sleeman MW. GDF8 and activin A blockade protects against GLP-1-induced muscle loss while enhancing fat loss in obese male mice and non-human primates. Nat Commun 2025; 16:4377. [PMID: 40360507 PMCID: PMC12075787 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists act via appetite suppression and caloric restriction. These treatments can result in significant muscle loss, likely due to evolutionary mechanisms protecting against food scarcity as muscle is a major energy utilizer. One mechanism that reduces muscle mass involves activation of type II activin receptors, ActRIIA/B, which yield profound muscle growth in humans when blocked. We previously demonstrated GDF8, also known as myostatin, and activin A are the two major ActRIIA/B ligands mediating muscle minimization. Here, we report that dual blockade can also prevent muscle loss associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists - and even increase muscle mass - in both obese mice and non-human primates; moreover, this muscle preservation enhances fat loss and is metabolically beneficial. These data raise the possibility that supplementing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment with GDF8 and activin A blockade could greatly improve the quality of weight loss during the treatment of obesity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José G Raya
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Diana Li
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Soo Min
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
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John S, Bhowmick K, Park A, Huang H, Yang X, Mishra L. Recent advances in targeting obesity, with a focus on TGF-β signaling and vagus nerve innervation. Bioelectron Med 2025; 11:10. [PMID: 40301996 PMCID: PMC12042417 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-025-00172-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Over a third of the global population is affected by obesity, fatty liver disease (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, MASLD), and its severe form, MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis), which can ultimately progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent advancements include therapeutics such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and neural/vagal modulation strategies for these disorders. Among the many pathways regulating these conditions, emerging insights into transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling highlight potential future targets through its role in pathophysiological processes such as adipogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Vagus nerve innervation in the gastrointestinal tract is involved in satiety regulation and energy homeostasis, and vagus nerve stimulation has been applied in weight loss and diabetes. This review explores clinical trials in obesity, novel therapeutic targets, and the role of TGF-β signaling and vagus nerve modulation in obesity-related liver diseases and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahara John
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Krishanu Bhowmick
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Andrew Park
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Hai Huang
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Xiaochun Yang
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.
- Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
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8
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Gao L, Ma Y, Wang L, Wu H, Kang R, Li G, Yang L, Wen T. Combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis revealed that MSTN regulated the process of bovine fatty acid metabolism in gut. Front Vet Sci 2025; 12:1541257. [PMID: 40357198 PMCID: PMC12066744 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1541257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction MSTN is a well-studied inhibitor of skeletal muscle development, but its mechanism of affecting gut metabolites and the functions it exerts through this pathway are still unclear. This study aims to reveal how MSTN affects the metabolism process by regulating gut metabolites. Methods Combined analysis of jejunal contents metabolome and jejunal tissue transcriptome was used to compare the differences in intestinal metabolites and intestinal tissue gene expression between MSTN mutant and wild-type bovines. Results Metabolomic analysis identified that compared to wild-type bovine, the abundance of 304 metabolites were significantly changed in MSTN mutant cattle including 142 upregulated and 162 downregulated. Transcriptome results showed that the expression level of 1541 genes were influenced by MSTN disruption, including 536 upregulated genes and 1005 downregulated genes, which were categorized into 311 KEGG signaling pathways, primarily related to disease and metabolism. Correlation analysis results suggested a notable cross-regulation between the transcript levels of some specific genes in jejunal tissues and the abundance of jejunal metabolites, represented by fatty metabolites and genes associated with fatty acid degradation, synthesis and elongation. Discussion Collectively, the result of this study indicated that MSTN gene mutation led to alterations in gut microbial metabolites by increasing the abundance of beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) such as oleic acid, then to promote fatty acid degradation while inhibiting its synthesis by regulating the expression levels of relevant genes. These results provide a foundation for understanding the effects of MSTN gene mutations on gut metabolites and its certain functions that MSTN regulated via gut metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Baotou Teacher’s College, Baotou, China
| | - Yong Ma
- College of Ecology and Environment, Baotou Teacher’s College, Baotou, China
| | - Lili Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Baotou Teacher’s College, Baotou, China
| | - Hao Wu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Baotou Teacher’s College, Baotou, China
| | - Ruobing Kang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Baotou Teacher’s College, Baotou, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Tong Wen
- College of Ecology and Environment, Baotou Teacher’s College, Baotou, China
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Zhao X, Xiao J, Yun Y, Bo C, Gao Y, Song L, Bai C, Wei Z, Zhang L, Yang L, Su G, Li G. Comparative analysis of reproductive organs, hormones and blood metabolism of MSTN mutated and non-mutated cows during gestation. BMC Vet Res 2025; 21:279. [PMID: 40241099 PMCID: PMC12004680 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-025-04742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long breeding cycle, long calving intervals and typical single calves limit the potential for improving their economic benefits. Ensuring the reproductive performance and efficiency of cows are crucial to increasing their economic value. Factors affecting the reproductive performance of cows include breed, pre-pregnancy maternal preparation, nutrition during pregnancy, and perinatal management. The gene editing of MSTN gene can improve the development of skeletal muscles and provide a new way for the promotion of existing beef cattle breeds. However, little has been reported about the reproductive performance and pregnancy state of MSTN gene-edited animals. In order to evaluate the reproductive safety and physiological changes during pregnancy of MSTN gene-edited cows, this study compared the sizes of reproductive organs, reproductive hormones, blood metabolic indicators, and metabolomic profiles at different stages of pregnancy, including period to be insemination, first trimester, second trimester, and late third trimester in MSTN gene-edited Luxi cattle (MT) and non-edited Luxi cattle (WT). RESULTS The results showed no significant differences in ovary and uterus sizes between MT and WT cows. However, MT cattle exhibited a larger pelvic area and higher calf birth weight. Compared to WT cattle, MT cattle showed enhanced glucose metabolism, reduced lipid synthesis, increased protein synthesis and absorption capacity, and decreased tryptophan synthesis at different stages of pregnancy. The hormone levels showed decreased E2 and increased P4 in MT cattle. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that MSTN gene editing has no significant impact on the reproductive safety of dairy cows and provides a deeper understanding of the feasibility of MSTN mutations for beef cattle breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Jiechuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yuan Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunjie Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yuxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Lishuang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Zhuying Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Guanghua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China.
| | - Guangpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Rd, Hohhot, 010070, China.
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10
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de Souza CB, Gondo A, Siqueira F, do Egito AA, Andrade GL, Guimarães SEF, de Oliveira Menezes GR. Effect of one copy of the nt821 mutation in the myostatin gene on yearling traits in Senepol cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 2025; 57:168. [PMID: 40214706 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-025-04415-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 05/01/2025]
Abstract
Several mutations in the myostatin gene cause double muscling in beef cattle. Studies indicate a significant effect of these mutations on traits used as selection criteria. One mutation that occurs in Senepol cattle is known as nt821. This mutation is important to understand the effects of double muscling in this breed. Records from 5,235 purebred Senepol cattle undergoing commercial performance tests in Brazil were used. Phenotypes and expected progeny differences for yearling weight (YW), scrotal circumference (SC), carcass conformation score (CCS), ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BF), intramuscular fat (IMF), and residual feed intake (RFI) were assessed. In the population studied, 861 animals were heterozygotes and 4,374 animals were wild-type homozygotes. There were no nt821 homozygotes. One copy of the nt821 mutation caused losses (P < 0.01) in SC, BF, and IMF. On the other hand, the nt821 mutation provided better results for REA (P < 0.01). There were no differences (P > 0.01) in YW, CCS or RFI between genotypes. Heterozygous animals exhibited greater muscle deposition but less subcutaneous and intramuscular fat deposition in the carcass, in addition to losses in indicators of precocity, when compared to animals carrying no copy of the mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Gondo
- Embrapa Beef Cattle, Campo Grande, MS, 79106 - 550, Brazil
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11
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Borok MJ, Zaidan L, Relaix F. Transposon expression and repression in skeletal muscle. Mob DNA 2025; 16:18. [PMID: 40217332 PMCID: PMC11992895 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-025-00352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Transposons and their derivatives make up a major proportion of the human genome, but they are not just relics of ancient genomes. They can still be expressed, potentially affecting the transcription of adjacent genes, and can sometimes even contribute to their coding sequence. Active transposons can integrate into new sites in the genome, potentially modifying the expression of nearby loci and leading to genetic disorders. In this review, we highlight work exploring the expression of transposons in skeletal muscles and transcriptional regulation by the KRAB-ZFP/KAP1/SETDB1 complex. We next focus on specific cases of transposon insertion causing phenotypic variation and distinct muscular dystrophies, as well as the implication of transposon expression in immune myopathies. Finally, we discuss the dysregulation of transposons in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Borok
- University Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM U955 IMRB, Créteil, 94010, France.
| | - Louai Zaidan
- University Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM U955 IMRB, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Frederic Relaix
- University Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM U955 IMRB, Créteil, 94010, France.
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort U955 IMRB, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France.
- EFS IMRB, Créteil, 94010, France.
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Mondor, Service d'Histologie, Créteil, 94010, France.
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12
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Ha J, Sung S, Kim H. Myokines and interorgan crosstalk: bridging exercise to health promotion and disease prevention. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2025; 30:59-68. [PMID: 40335041 PMCID: PMC12061759 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2448218.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2024] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Exercise is known to promote physical health and reduce the risk of various diseases. During exercise, skeletal muscle actively contracts to perform movements and secretes hormone-like molecules termed myokines. The beneficial effects of exercise have been assessed with respect to myokine production, and those of irisin on bone, adipose tissue, and the brain have been well documented. Irisin, through its interactions with the integrin αV family, plays a crucial role in bone maintenance, metabolic regulation, and cognitive function. Building on the established understanding of irisin, this discussion will examine the functions and effects of other myokines as key secretory factors in exercise, emphasizing their broader roles in health promotion and the potential for new therapeutic strategies in disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junseo Ha
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Suchan Sung
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyeonwoo Kim
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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13
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Barone M, Baccaro P, Molfino A. An Overview of Sarcopenia: Focusing on Nutritional Treatment Approaches. Nutrients 2025; 17:1237. [PMID: 40218995 PMCID: PMC11990658 DOI: 10.3390/nu17071237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2025] [Revised: 03/28/2025] [Accepted: 03/30/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. This condition is associated with physical disability, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality. Therefore, reducing the prevalence of sarcopenia could significantly lower healthcare costs. Sarcopenia can be classified into primary and secondary sarcopenia. The former is related to aging and begins after the fourth decade of life; after that, there is a muscle loss of around 8% per decade until age 70 years, which subsequently increases to 15% per decade. On the other hand, secondary sarcopenia can affect all individuals and may result from various factors including physical inactivity, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cachexia. Understanding the multiple mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of sarcopenia allows for us to develop strategies that can prevent, treat, or at least mitigate muscle loss caused by increased protein breakdown. One potential treatment of sarcopenia is based on nutritional interventions, including adequate caloric and protein intake and specific nutrients that support muscle health. Such nutrients include natural food rich in whey protein and omega-3 fatty acids as well as nutritional supplements like branched-chain amino acids, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, and vitamin D along with food for special medical purposes. It is important to emphasize that physical exercises, especially resistance training, not only promote muscle protein synthesis on their own but also work synergistically with nutritional strategies to enhance their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Palmina Baccaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Alessio Molfino
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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14
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Welc SS, Brotto M, White KE, Bonewald LF. Aging: A struggle for beneficial to overcome negative factors made by muscle and bone. Mech Ageing Dev 2025; 224:112039. [PMID: 39952614 PMCID: PMC11893237 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2025.112039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2024] [Revised: 12/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal health is strongly influenced by regulatory interactions of bone and muscle. Recent discoveries have identified a number of key mechanisms through which soluble factors released during exercise by bone exert positive effects on muscle and by muscle on bone. Although exercise can delay the negative effects of aging, these beneficial effects are diminished with aging. The limited response of aged muscle and bone tissue to exercise are accompanied by a failure in bone and muscle communication. Here, we propose that exercise induced beneficial factors must battle changes in circulating endocrine and inflammatory factors that occur with aging. Furthermore, sedentary behavior results in the release of negative factors impacting the ability of bone and muscle to respond to physical activity especially with aging. In this review we report on exercise responsive factors and evidence of modification occurring with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven S Welc
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Marco Brotto
- Bone-Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing & Health Innovation, University of Texas-Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
| | - Kenneth E White
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Lynda F Bonewald
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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15
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Chen J, Wang J, Zhao H, Tan X, Yan S, Zhang H, Wang T, Tang X. Molecular breeding of pigs in the genome editing era. Genet Sel Evol 2025; 57:12. [PMID: 40065264 PMCID: PMC11892312 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-025-00961-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the increasing demand for high-quality pork protein, it is essential to implement strategies that enhance diets and produce pigs with excellent production traits. Selective breeding and crossbreeding are the primary methods used for genetic improvement in modern agriculture. However, these methods face challenges due to long breeding cycles and the necessity for beneficial genetic variation associated with high-quality traits within the population. This limitation restricts the transfer of desirable alleles across different genera and species. This article systematically reviews past and current research advancements in porcine molecular breeding. It discusses the screening of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) to identify resistance loci in swine and the challenges and future applications of genetically modified pigs. MAIN BODY The emergence of transgenic and gene editing technologies has prompted researchers to apply these methods to pig breeding. These advancements allow for alterations in the pig genome through various techniques, ranging from random integration into the genome to site-specific insertion and from target gene knockout (KO) to precise base and prime editing. As a result, numerous desirable traits, such as disease resistance, high meat yield, improved feed efficiency, reduced fat deposition, and lower environmental waste, can be achieved easily and effectively by genetic modification. These traits can serve as valuable resources to enhance swine breeding programmes. CONCLUSION In the era of genome editing, molecular breeding of pigs is critical to the future of agriculture. Long-term and multidomain analyses of genetically modified pigs by researchers, related policy development by regulatory agencies, and public awareness and acceptance of their safety are the keys to realizing the transition of genetically modified products from the laboratory to the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Haoran Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xiao Tan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Shihan Yan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Huanyu Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Tiefeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Baicheng Normal University, Baicheng, 137000, China.
| | - Xiaochun Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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16
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Moroudi RS, Mahboudi H, Mahboudi F. The Effect of Selection on the Two Important Myostatin Gene Mutations in the Dareshouri Horse in the Middle East. Vet Med Sci 2025; 11:e70300. [PMID: 40104884 PMCID: PMC12077112 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Dareshouri horse breed is one of Iran's native equine breeds, originating from the Dareshouri tribe, a subgroup of the Qashqai nomads. This breed has a history spanning over 500 years. Horses of this breed have smooth nates, tall stature, raised tails and strong skeletal muscles. This is the first study to investigate the effect of genetics on athletic performance in the Dareshouri breed. METHODS For this purpose, in this study, the genotype combination of two important variants, including the rs397152648Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and Short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) insertion, was surveyed to study the effect of selection on MSTN gene mutations in this breed. RESULTS The result displayed absence of SINE insertion and high frequency of the "C" allele in Myostatin gene (MSTN) gene in all studied horses. Considering the importance of the presence and high frequency of the rs397152648 SNP and its relationship with the low expression of equine Myostatin, the muscle mass ratio, and speed performance, this evidence confirms that the Dareshouri breed has the genetic potential to cover the race distance in a shorter time. CONCLUSION Given the absence of genetics studies on this valuable Iranian breed, these findings represent an important contribution to the characterisation of this breed and clearly indicate an occasion for Dareshouri horsebreeders, owners, and trainers to recognise the genetic potential of their horse to make the best decisions in breeding, selection, training and racing to improve the horse's performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Mahboudi
- Department of BiotechnologySchool of PharmacyAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
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17
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Wetzlich B, Nyakundi BB, Yang J. Therapeutic applications and challenges in myostatin inhibition for enhanced skeletal muscle mass and functions. Mol Cell Biochem 2025; 480:1535-1553. [PMID: 39340593 PMCID: PMC11842502 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05120-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Myostatin, a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, has garnered significant attention as a therapeutic target for muscle dystrophies. Despite extensive research and promising preclinical results, clinical trials targeting myostatin inhibition in muscle dystrophies have failed to yield substantial improvements in muscle function or fitness in patients. This review details the mechanisms behind myostatin's function and the various inhibitors that have been tested preclinically and clinically. It also examines the challenges encountered in clinical translation, including issues with drug specificity, differences in serum myostatin concentrations between animal models and humans, and the necessity of neural input for functional improvements. Additionally, we explore promising avenues of research beyond muscle dystrophies, particularly in the treatment of metabolic syndromes and orthopedic disorders. Insights from these alternative applications suggest that myostatin inhibition may hold the potential for addressing a broader range of pathologies, providing new directions for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brock Wetzlich
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Benard B Nyakundi
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Jinzeng Yang
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
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18
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Egerman MA, Zhang Y, Donne R, Xu J, Gadi A, McEwen C, Salmon H, Xiong K, Bai Y, Germino M, Barringer K, Jimenez Y, Del Pilar Molina-Portela M, Shavlakadze T, Glass DJ. ActRII or BMPR ligands inhibit skeletal myoblast differentiation, and BMPs promote heterotopic ossification in skeletal muscles in mice. Skelet Muscle 2025; 15:4. [PMID: 39994804 PMCID: PMC11853584 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-025-00373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies suggested that canonical Activin Receptor II (ActRII) and BMP receptor (BMPR) ligands can have opposing, distinct effects on skeletal muscle depending in part on differential downstream SMAD activation. It was therefore of interest to test ActRII ligands versus BMP ligands in settings of muscle differentiation and in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS In human skeletal muscle cells, both ActRII ligands and BMP ligands inhibited myogenic differentiation: ActRII ligands in a SMAD2/3-dependent manner, and BMP ligands via SMAD1/5. Surprisingly, a neutralizing ActRIIA/B antibody mitigated the negative effects of both classes of ligands, indicating that some BMPs act at least partially through the ActRII receptors in skeletal muscle. Gene expression analysis showed that both ActRII and BMP ligands repress muscle differentiation genes in human myoblasts and myotubes. In mice, hepatic BMP9 over-expression induced liver toxicity, caused multi-organ wasting, and promoted a pro-atrophy gene signature despite elevated SMAD1/5 signaling in skeletal muscle. Local overexpression of BMP7 or BMP9, achieved by intramuscular AAV delivery, induced heterotopic ossification. Elevated SMAD1/5 signaling with increased expression of BMP target genes was also observed in sarcopenic muscles of old rats. CONCLUSIONS The canonical ActRII ligand-SMAD2/3 and BMP ligand-SMAD1/5 axes can both block human myoblast differentiation. Our observations further demonstrate the osteoinductive function of BMP ligands while pointing to a potential relevancy of blocking the BMP-SMAD1/5 axis in the setting of therapeutic anti-ActRIIA/B inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Egerman
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Romain Donne
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Jianing Xu
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Abhilash Gadi
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Corissa McEwen
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Salmon
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Kun Xiong
- Molecular Profiling, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Yu Bai
- Molecular Profiling, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Mary Germino
- Imaging Sciences, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Barringer
- Inflammation & Immune Diseases, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Yasalp Jimenez
- Inflammation & Immune Diseases, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | - Tea Shavlakadze
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - David J Glass
- Aging/Age-Related Disorders, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA.
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19
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Huang X, Xu C, Zhang J, Wu W, Wang Z, Pang Q, Liu Z, Liu B. Endurance exercise remodels skeletal muscle by suppressing Ythdf1-mediated myostatin expression. Cell Death Dis 2025; 16:96. [PMID: 39948064 PMCID: PMC11825732 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-025-07379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025]
Abstract
Exercise can improve health via skeletal muscle remodeling. Elucidating the underlying mechanism may lead to new therapeutics for aging-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. Here, we show that endurance exercise suppresses expression of YT521-B homology domain family (Ythdf1) in skeletal muscle, which recognizes the N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Ythdf1 deletion phenocopies endurance exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy in mice increases muscle mitochondria content and type I fiber specification. At the molecular level, Ythdf1 recognizes and promotes the translation of m6A-modified Mstn mRNA, which encodes a muscle growth inhibitor, Myostatin. Loss of Ythdf1 leads to hyperactivation of skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs), also called satellite cells (SCs), enhancing muscle growth and injury-induced regeneration. Our data reveal Ythdf1 as a key regulator of skeletal muscle homeostasis, provide insights into the mechanism by which endurance exercise promotes skeletal muscle remodeling and highlight potential strategies to prevent aging-related muscle degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systemic Aging and Intervention (SKL-SAI), National Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology (Shenzhen), International Cancer Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenzhong Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systemic Aging and Intervention (SKL-SAI), National Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology (Shenzhen), International Cancer Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systemic Aging and Intervention (SKL-SAI), National Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology (Shenzhen), International Cancer Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Zimei Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systemic Aging and Intervention (SKL-SAI), National Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology (Shenzhen), International Cancer Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Zuojun Liu
- Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
| | - Baohua Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systemic Aging and Intervention (SKL-SAI), National Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology (Shenzhen), International Cancer Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China.
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20
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Elashry MI, Schneider VC, Heimann M, Wenisch S, Arnhold S. CRISPR/Cas9-Targeted Myostatin Deletion Improves the Myogenic Differentiation Parameters for Muscle-Derived Stem Cells in Mice. J Dev Biol 2025; 13:5. [PMID: 39982358 PMCID: PMC11843916 DOI: 10.3390/jdb13010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2025] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 02/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle plays a pivotal role in physical activity, protein storage and energy utilization. Skeletal muscle wasting due to immobilization, aging, muscular dystrophy and cancer cachexia has negative impacts on the quality of life. The deletion of myostatin, a growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) augments muscle mass through hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscle fibers. The present study examines the impact of myostatin deletion using CRISPR/Cas9 editing on the myogenic differentiation (MD) of C2C12 muscle stem cells. A total of five myostatin loci were targeted using guided RNAs that had been previously cloned into a vector. The clones were transfected in C2C12 cells via electroporation. The cell viability and MD of myostatin-edited clones (Mstn-/-) were compared with C2C12 (Mstn+/+) using a series of assays, including MTT, sulforhodamine B, immunocytochemistry, morphometric analysis and RT-qPCR. The clones sequenced showed evidence of nucleotides deletion in Mstn-/- cells. Mstn-/- cells demonstrated a normal physiological performance and lack of cytotoxicity. Myostatin depletion promoted the myogenic commitment as evidenced by upregulated MyoD and myogenin expression. The number of MyoD-positive cells was increased in the differentiated Mstn-/- clones. The Mstn-/- editing upregulates both mTOR and MyH expression, as well as increasing the size of myotubes. The differentiation of Mstn-/- cells upregulates ActRIIb; in contrast, it downregulates decorin expression. The data provide evidence of successful CRISPR/Cas9-mediated myostatin deletion. In addition, targeting myostatin could be a beneficial therapeutic strategy to promote MD and to restore muscle loss. In conclusion, the data suggest that myostatin editing using CRISPR/Cas9 could be a potential therapeutic manipulation to improve the regenerative capacity of muscle stem cells before in vivo application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I. Elashry
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (V.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.A.)
| | - Victoria C. Schneider
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (V.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.A.)
| | - Manuela Heimann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (V.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.A.)
| | - Sabine Wenisch
- Clinic of Small Animals, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Stefan Arnhold
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (V.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.A.)
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21
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Ongaro L, Zhou X, Wang Y, Schultz H, Zhou Z, Buddle ERS, Brûlé E, Lin YF, Schang G, Hagg A, Castonguay R, Liu Y, Su GH, Seidah NG, Ray KC, Karp SJ, Boehm U, Ruf-Zamojski F, Sealfon SC, Walton KL, Lee SJ, Bernard DJ. Muscle-derived myostatin is a major endocrine driver of follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis. Science 2025; 387:329-336. [PMID: 39818879 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi4736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2025]
Abstract
Myostatin is a paracrine myokine that regulates muscle mass in a variety of species, including humans. In this work, we report a functional role for myostatin as an endocrine hormone that directly promotes pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and thereby ovarian function in mice. Previously, this FSH-stimulating role was attributed to other members of the transforming growth factor-β family, the activins. Our results both challenge activin's eponymous role in FSH synthesis and establish an unexpected endocrine axis between skeletal muscle and the pituitary gland. Our data also suggest that efforts to antagonize myostatin to increase muscle mass may have unintended consequences on fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hailey Schultz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ziyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Evan R S Buddle
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emilie Brûlé
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yeu-Farn Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gauthier Schang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Adam Hagg
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Yewei Liu
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Gloria H Su
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nabil G Seidah
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM)-University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kevin C Ray
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Seth J Karp
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly L Walton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Se-Jin Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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22
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Hai C, Wang L, Wang S, Di A, Song L, Liu X, Bai C, Su G, Yang L, Li G. Loss of Myostatin Affects m6A Modification but Not Semen Characteristics in Bull Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:591. [PMID: 39859306 PMCID: PMC11766052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26020591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2024] [Revised: 01/09/2025] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a key methylation modification involved in reproductive processes. Myostatin gene editing (MT) in cattle is known to enhance muscle mass and productivity. However, the changes in m6A modification in MT bull sperm remain poorly understood. In the MT and wild-type (WT) groups, we identified 25,542 and 22,253 m6A peaks, respectively, mainly concentrated in the coding sequence (CDS) and 3' untranslated region (UTR) of genes. The MT group showed an increase in gene transcription, but there was no significant difference in the overall m6A peaks pattern. There was also no significant difference in m6A motif and chromosome distribution between MT and WT groups. Most genes had less m6A modification sites. A total of 1120 m6A peaks were significantly different, corresponding to 1053 differentially m6A-methylated genes (DMMGs). These DMMGs are mainly associated with G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways and the overall composition of the cell membrane. Furthermore, an MCL clustering analysis of 111 differentially m6A-methylated and expressed genes identified seven key genes (RHOA, DAAM1, EXOC4, GNA12, PRICKLE1, SCN1A, and STXBP5L), with the cytoskeleton and migration-related gene, RHOA, being the most important gene located at the center of the gene network. However, the analysis of sperm morphology and motility indicated no significant changes in semen volume, sperm count, sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome membrane integrity, or mitochondrial membrane integrity. This study provides a map of m6A methylation in spermatozoa from MT and WT bulls, identifies key differential m6A genes that are affected by the myostatin gene but do not affect sperm morphology and viability in MT bulls, and provides a theoretical basis for the breeding quality of MT bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China; (C.H.); (L.W.); (S.W.); (A.D.); (L.S.); (X.L.); (C.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Guangpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China; (C.H.); (L.W.); (S.W.); (A.D.); (L.S.); (X.L.); (C.B.); (G.S.)
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23
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Wang G, Zhang X, Zhao X, Ren X, Chen A, Dai W, Zhang L, Lu Y, Jiang Z, Wang H, Liu Y, Zhao X, Wen J, Cheng X, Zhang Y, Ning Z, Ban L, Qu L. Genomic evidence for hybridization and introgression between blue peafowl and endangered green peafowl and molecular foundation of leucistic plumage of blue peafowl. Gigascience 2025; 14:giae124. [PMID: 39965774 PMCID: PMC11835448 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giae124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 11/10/2024] [Accepted: 12/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and the green peafowl (Pavo muticus) have garnered significant public affection due to their stunning appearance, although the green peafowl is currently endangered. The causative mutation that causes the leucistic plumage of the blue peafowl (also called white peafowl) remains unknown. RESULTS In this study, we generated a chromosome-level reference genome of the blue peafowl with a contig N50 of 30.6 Mb, including the autosomes, Z and W sex chromosomes, and a complete mitochondria DNA sequence. Data from 77 peafowl whole genomes, 76 peafowl mitochondrial genomes, and 33 peafowl W chromosomes genomes provided the first substantial genetic evidence for recent hybridization between green peafowls and blue peafowls. We found 3 hybrid green peafowls in zoo samples rather than in the wild samples, with a blue peafowl genomic content of 16-34%. Maternal genetic analysis showed that 2 of the hybrid female green peafowls contained complete blue peafowl mitochondrial genomes and W chromosomes. Some animal protection agencies release captive green peafowls in order to maintain the wild population of green peafowls. Therefore, to better protect the endangered green peafowl, we suggest that purebred identification must be carried out before releasing green peafowls from zoos into the wild in order to prevent the hybrid green peafowl from contaminating the wild green peafowl. In addition, we also found that there were historical introgression events of green peafowl to blue peafowl in 4 zoo blue peafowl individuals. The introgressed genomic regions contain IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 genes that could affect blue peafowl body size. Finally, we identified that the nonsense mutation (g.4:12583552G>A) in the EDNRB2 gene is the genetic causative mutation for leucistic plumage of blue peafowl, preventing melanocytes from being transported into plumage, thereby inhibiting melanin deposition. CONCLUSION Our research provides both theoretical and empirical support for the conservation of the endangered green peafowl. The high-quality genome and genomic data also provide a valuable resource for blue peafowl genomics-assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xinye Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xiurong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xufang Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Anqi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Wenting Dai
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Zhihua Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Huie Wang
- School of Animal Science and technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang 843300, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Nongxiao Breeding Poultry Breeding Co., Ltd. Beijing 102400, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Xingrui Technology Co., Ltd. Hebei 072557, China
| | - Junhui Wen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xue Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Zhonghua Ning
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Liping Ban
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Lujiang Qu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
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24
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Le N, Kubo R, Borjigin L, Ibi T, Sasaki S, Kunieda T. Presence of a Deletion Mutation of Myostatin (MSTN) Gene Associated With Double-Muscling Phenotype in Japanese Black Cattle Population. Anim Sci J 2025; 96:e70055. [PMID: 40170586 PMCID: PMC11962573 DOI: 10.1111/asj.70055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2025] [Accepted: 03/21/2025] [Indexed: 04/03/2025]
Abstract
Mutations in the bovine myostatin (MSTN) gene have been identified as the causative factor for the double-muscling phenotype in several European cattle breeds, including Belgian Blue, Piedmontese, and Shorthorn. In Japan, following the Meiji Restoration, several European breeds, including Shorthorn, Brown Swiss, Devon, Simmental, and Ayrshire, were introduced and crossbred with native cattle to develop modern Japanese beef cattle breeds, such as Japanese Black cattle. Historical records regarding the breeding of Japanese Black cattle indicate that the double-muscling phenotype, referred to as "Butajiri," occasionally appeared in Japanese Black cattle population. These historical observations suggest the potential presence of MSTN gene mutation in the Japanese Black cattle population. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the presence of MSTN gene mutation in the current Japanese Black cattle population. Through screening 400 reproductive females, we identified one cow carrying an 11-bp deletion in the MSTN gene. While further investigation of the animals in the pedigree of this cow could not reveal any living animals with this mutation, this is the first report demonstrating the presence of the MSTN mutation in the Japanese Black cattle population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nu Anh Thu Le
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Okayama University of Science ImabariEhimeJapan
- Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine University of Agriculture and ForestryHue UniversityHueVietnam
| | - Rena Kubo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Okayama University of Science ImabariEhimeJapan
| | - Liushiqi Borjigin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Okayama University of Science ImabariEhimeJapan
| | - Takayuki Ibi
- Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyOkayama UniversityOkayamaJapan
| | - Shinji Sasaki
- Faculty of Agriculture Ryukyu University NishiharaOkinawaJapan
| | - Tetsuo Kunieda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Okayama University of Science ImabariEhimeJapan
- Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyOkayama UniversityOkayamaJapan
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25
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Peka M, Balatsky V. Bioinformatic approach to identifying causative missense polymorphisms in animal genomes. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:1226. [PMID: 39701989 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-11126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/05/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trends in the development of genetic markers for the purposes of genomic and marker-assisted selection primarily focus on identifying causative polymorphisms. Using these polymorphisms as markers enables a more accurate association between genotype and phenotype. Bioinformatic analysis allows calculating the impact of missense polymorphisms on the structural and functional characteristics of proteins, which makes it promising for identifying causative polymorphisms. In this study, a bioinformatic approach is applied to evaluate and differentiate polymorphisms based on their causality in genes that affect the production traits of pigs and cows, which are two important livestock species. RESULTS The influence of both known causative and candidate missense polymorphisms in the MC4R, NR6A1, PRKAG3, RYR1, and SYNGR2 genes of pigs, as well as the ABCG2, DGAT1, GHR, and MSTN genes of cows, was assessed. The study included an evaluation of the effect of polymorphisms on protein functions, considering the evolutionary and physicochemical characteristics of amino acids at polymorphic sites. Additionally, it examined the impact of polymorphisms on the stability of tertiary protein structures, including changes in folding, binding of protein monomers, and interaction with ligands. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive bioinformatic analysis used in this study enables the differentiation of polymorphisms into neutral, where both amino acids in the polymorphic site do not significantly affect the structure and function of the protein, and causative, where one of the amino acids significantly impacts the protein's properties. This approach can be employed in future research to screen extensive sets of polymorphisms in animal genomes, identifying the most promising polymorphisms for further investigation in association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykyta Peka
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013, Ukraine.
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine.
| | - Viktor Balatsky
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013, Ukraine
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26
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Grima-Terrén M, Campanario S, Ramírez-Pardo I, Cisneros A, Hong X, Perdiguero E, Serrano AL, Isern J, Muñoz-Cánoves P. Muscle aging and sarcopenia: The pathology, etiology, and most promising therapeutic targets. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 100:101319. [PMID: 39312874 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a progressive muscle wasting disorder that severely impacts the quality of life of elderly individuals. Although the natural aging process primarily causes sarcopenia, it can develop in response to other conditions. Because muscle function is influenced by numerous changes that occur with age, the etiology of sarcopenia remains unclear. However, recent characterizations of the aging muscle transcriptional landscape, signaling pathway disruptions, fiber and extracellular matrix compositions, systemic metabolomic and inflammatory responses, mitochondrial function, and neurological inputs offer insights and hope for future treatments. This review will discuss age-related changes in healthy muscle and our current understanding of how this can deteriorate into sarcopenia. As our elderly population continues to grow, we must understand sarcopenia and find treatments that allow individuals to maintain independence and dignity throughout an extended lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Grima-Terrén
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Silvia Campanario
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ramírez-Pardo
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Andrés Cisneros
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Xiaotong Hong
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | | | - Antonio L Serrano
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Joan Isern
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Pura Muñoz-Cánoves
- Altos Labs, San Diego Institute of Science, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, 08003, Spain.
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27
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Stefanakis K, Kokkorakis M, Mantzoros CS. The impact of weight loss on fat-free mass, muscle, bone and hematopoiesis health: Implications for emerging pharmacotherapies aiming at fat reduction and lean mass preservation. Metabolism 2024; 161:156057. [PMID: 39481534 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.156057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2024] [Revised: 10/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024]
Abstract
Similar to bariatric surgery, incretin receptor agonists have revolutionized the treatment of obesity, achieving up to 15-25 % weight loss in many patients, i.e., at a rate approaching that achieved with bariatric surgery. However, over 25 % of total weight lost from both surgery and pharmacotherapy typically comes from fat-free mass, including skeletal muscle mass, which is often overlooked and can impair metabolic health and increase the risk of subsequent sarcopenic obesity. Loss of muscle and bone as well as anemia can compromise physical function, metabolic rate, and overall health, especially in older adults. The myostatin-activin-follistatin-inhibin system, originally implicated in reproductive function and subsequently muscle regulation, appears to be crucial for muscle and bone maintenance during weight loss. Activins and myostatin promote muscle degradation, while follistatins inhibit their activity in states of negative energy balance, thereby preserving lean mass. Novel compounds in the pipeline, such as Bimagrumab, Trevogrumab, and Garetosmab-which inhibit activin and myostatin signaling-have demonstrated promise in preventing muscle loss while promoting fat loss. Either alone or combined with incretin receptor agonists, these medications may enhance fat loss while preserving or even increasing muscle and bone mass, offering a potential solution for improving body composition and metabolic health during significant weight loss. Since this dual therapeutic approach could help address the challenges of muscle and bone loss during weight loss, well-designed studies are needed to optimize these strategies and assess long-term benefits. For the time being, considerations like advanced age and prefrailty may affect the choice of suitable candidates in clinical practice for current and emerging anti-obesity medications due to the associated risk of sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Stefanakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michail Kokkorakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Endocrinology, Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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28
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Berry DP, Spangler ML. The Benefit of a National Genomic Testing Scheme. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:435-445. [PMID: 38971688 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Although a significant cost, genotyping an entire population offers many benefits, many of which can reduce the workload and effort in decision-making on farm. As well as providing more accurate predictions of the genetic merit of individuals (and by extension their expected performance), national genotyping strategies enable complete traceability from the cradle to the grave as well as parentage discovery. The information available per animal aids more informed breeding and management decisions, including mating advice, and determining the optimal role and eventual fate of each animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donagh P Berry
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, P61 C996, Ireland.
| | - Matthew L Spangler
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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29
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Reid RM, Turkmen S, Cleveland BM, Biga PR. Direct actions of growth hormone in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, skeletal muscle cells in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 297:111725. [PMID: 39122107 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) system regulates skeletal muscle growth and function. GH has a major function of targeting the liver to regulate IGF-1 production and release, and IGF-1 mediates the primary anabolic action of GH on growth. However, skeletal muscle is a target tissue of GH as evidenced by dynamic GH receptor expression, but it is unclear if GH elicits any direct actions on extrahepatic tissues as it is difficult to distinguish the effects of IGF-1 from GH. Fish growth regulation is complex compared to mammals, as genome duplication events have resulted in multiple isoforms of GHs, GHRs, IGFs, and IGFRs expressed in most fish tissues. This study investigated the potential for GH direct actions on fish skeletal muscle using an in vitro system, where rainbow trout myogenic precursor cells (MPCs) were cultured in normal and serum-deprived media, to mimic in vivo fasting conditions. Fasting reduces IGF-1 signaling in the muscle, which is critical for disentangling the roles of GH from IGF-1. The direct effects of GH were analyzed by measuring changes in myogenic proliferation and differentiation genes, as well as genes regulating muscle growth and proteolysis. This study provides the first in-depth analysis of the direct actions of GH on serum-deprived fish muscle cells in vitro. Data suggest that GH induces the expression of markers for proliferation and muscle growth in the presence of serum, but all observed GH action was blocked in serum-deprived conditions. Additionally, serum deprivation alone reduced the expression of several proliferation and differentiation markers, while increasing growth and proteolysis markers. Results also demonstrate dynamic gene expression response in the presence of GH and a JAK inhibitor in serum-provided but not serum-deprived conditions. These data provide a better understanding of GH signaling in relation to serum in trout muscle cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross M Reid
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Serhat Turkmen
- Department of Cell Development and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Beth M Cleveland
- National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS-USDA), Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA
| | - Peggy R Biga
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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30
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Wang C, Liu X, Hu X, Wu T, Duan R. Therapeutic targeting of GDF11 in muscle atrophy: Insights and strategies. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135321. [PMID: 39236952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of novel therapeutic avenues for skeletal muscle atrophy is imperative due to its significant health impact. Recent studies have spotlighted growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a TGFβ superfamily member, for its rejuvenating role in reversing age-related tissue dysfunction. This review synthesizes current findings on GDF11, elucidating its distinct biological functions and the ongoing debates regarding its efficacy in muscle homeostasis. By addressing discrepancies in current research outcomes and its ambiguous role due to its homological identity to myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, this review aims to clarify the role of GDF11 in muscle homeostasis and its potential as a therapeutic target for muscle atrophy. Through a thorough examination of GDF11's mechanisms and effects, this review provides insights that could pave the way for innovative treatments for muscle atrophy, emphasizing the need and strategies to boost endogenous GDF11 levels for therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanzhi Wang
- Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaocao Liu
- Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xilong Hu
- Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Duan
- Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
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31
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Kaur M, Misra S. Bimagrumab: an investigational human monoclonal antibody against activin type II receptors for treating obesity. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 35:325-334. [PMID: 39385353 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2024-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Bimagrumab is a human monoclonal antibody that prevents activin type II receptors (ActRII) from functioning. This antibody has a higher affinity for muscle activin-2 receptors than natural ligands such as activin and myostatin, which act as negative muscle growth regulators. Blocking the activin receptor with bimagrumab could be a new pharmaceutical approach for managing patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Bimagrumab has anabolic effects on skeletal muscle mass by preventing myostatin binding and other negative muscle growth regulators. Preclinical animal models have also shown that ActRII blockade promotes actions beyond skeletal muscle, including effects on brown adipose tissue (BAT) differentiation and activity. In a phase 2 randomized clinical trial, ActRII blockade with bimagrumab led to significant loss of total body fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM) gain, and metabolic improvements over 48 weeks in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes. The trial involved [number of participants], and the results showed [specific findings]. Currently, Bimagrumab is being evaluated for its potential to treat muscle wasting, functional loss in hip fractures and sarcopenia, as well as obesity. However, it is essential to note that Bimagrumab also blocks the effects of other ActRII ligands, which play a role in the neurohormonal axes, pituitary, gonads, and adrenal glands. These observations suggest that bimagrumab might represent a new approach for treating patients with obesity and related metabolic disturbances.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Activin Receptors, Type II/antagonists & inhibitors
- Obesity/drug therapy
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Manmeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, India
| | - Saurav Misra
- Department of Pharmacology, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, India
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Madula R, Visser C, van Marle-Köster E. The impact of myostatin variants on growth traits in South African Bonsmara beef cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:358. [PMID: 39448522 PMCID: PMC11502602 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04208-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024]
Abstract
Double muscling occurs when the myostatin (MSTN) gene is deactivated due to a series of mutations, leading to uncontrolled muscle growth and excessive muscle fiber accumulation, as the gene can no longer effectively regulate muscle development. This study aimed to assess the impact of MSTN variants and their combinations on growth traits, namely direct birth weight (BWDIR), direct weaning weight (WWDIR), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the South African (SA) Bonsmara. Genomically enhanced estimated breeding value (GEBVs) for traits of interest, and MTSN genotypes for SA Bonsmara animals were available for the study. Thirteen MSTN variants (Nt821, Q204X, F94L, E226X, E291X, C313Y, Nt419, S105C, D182N, Nt414, Nt324, Nt267, and Nt748) were routinely genotyped using the IDBv3 SNP array. Genotypic frequencies of MSTN variants ranged from 1.18% for Q204X to 35.02% for Nt748. No association was observed between the Nt267 variant and any growth traits, while both Nt748 and Nt414 variants affected WWDIR, ADG and FCR (p < 0.05). The results of the effect of multiple variants on growth traits indicated that there was an additive effect when more than one MSTN variant was present in an individual. This study is the first study to report the impact of MSTN variants on traits of economic importance in the SA Bonsmara breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendani Madula
- Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Carina Visser
- Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Servais L, Lair LL, Connolly AM, Byrne BJ, Chen KS, Coric V, Qureshi I, Durham S, Campbell DJ, Maclaine G, Marin J, Bechtold C. Taldefgrobep Alfa and the Phase 3 RESILIENT Trial in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10273. [PMID: 39408601 PMCID: PMC11477173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251910273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by insufficient production of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Diminished SMN protein levels lead to motor neuron loss, causing muscle atrophy and weakness that impairs daily functioning and reduces quality of life. SMN upregulators offer clinical improvements and increased survival in SMA patients, although significant unmet needs remain. Myostatin, a TGF-β superfamily signaling molecule that binds to the activin II receptor, negatively regulates muscle growth; myostatin inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing muscle. Combining myostatin inhibition with SMN upregulation, a comprehensive therapeutic strategy targeting the whole motor unit, offers promise in SMA. Taldefgrobep alfa is a novel, fully human recombinant protein that selectively binds to myostatin and competitively inhibits other ligands that signal through the activin II receptor. Given a robust scientific and clinical rationale and the favorable safety profile of taldefgrobep in patients with neuromuscular disease, the RESILIENT phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is investigating taldefgrobep as an adjunct to SMN upregulators in SMA (NCT05337553). This manuscript reviews the role of myostatin in muscle, explores the preclinical and clinical development of taldefgrobep and introduces the phase 3 RESILIENT trial of taldefgrobep in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Servais
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Boulevard Du 12e De Ligne, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | | | | | - Barry J. Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Karen S. Chen
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, 970 W Broadway STE E, PMB 140, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Vlad Coric
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inc., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Irfan Qureshi
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inc., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Susan Durham
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inc., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | | | - Jackie Marin
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inc., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Calcaterra V, Magenes VC, Bianchi A, Rossi V, Gatti A, Marin L, Vandoni M, Zuccotti G. How Can Promoting Skeletal Muscle Health and Exercise in Children and Adolescents Prevent Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes? Life (Basel) 2024; 14:1198. [PMID: 39337980 PMCID: PMC11433096 DOI: 10.3390/life14091198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle secretome, through its paracrine and endocrine functions, contributes to the maintenance and regulation of overall physiological health. We conducted a narrative review on the role of skeletal muscle and exercise in maintaining glucose homeostasis, driving insulin resistance (IR), and preventing type 2 diabetes in pediatric populations, especially in the context of overweight and obesity. Myokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-15, as well as irisin, myonectin, and myostatin, appear to play a crucial role in IR. Skeletal muscle can also become a target of obesity-induced and IR-induced inflammation. In the correlation between muscle, IR, and inflammation, the role of infiltration of the immune cells and the microvasculature may also be considered. It remains unclear which exercise approach is the best; however, combining aerobic exercise with resistance training seems to be the most effective strategy for managing IR, with high-intensity activities offering superior metabolic benefits and long-term adherence. Encouraging daily participation in enjoyable and engaging exercise is key for long-term commitment and effective glucose metabolism management. Promoting physical activity in children and adolescents must be a top priority for public health, not only in terms of individual quality of life and well-being but also for community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.C.M.); (A.B.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Vittoria Carlotta Magenes
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.C.M.); (A.B.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Alice Bianchi
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.C.M.); (A.B.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.C.M.); (A.B.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Alessandro Gatti
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.G.); (L.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Luca Marin
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.G.); (L.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.G.); (L.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.C.M.); (A.B.); (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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35
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Ghavi Hossein-Zadeh N. An overview of recent technological developments in bovine genomics. Vet Anim Sci 2024; 25:100382. [PMID: 39166173 PMCID: PMC11334705 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2024.100382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cattle are regarded as highly valuable animals because of their milk, beef, dung, fur, and ability to draft. The scientific community has tried a number of strategies to improve the genetic makeup of bovine germplasm. To ensure higher returns for the dairy and beef industries, researchers face their greatest challenge in improving commercially important traits. One of the biggest developments in the last few decades in the creation of instruments for cattle genetic improvement is the discovery of the genome. Breeding livestock is being revolutionized by genomic selection made possible by the availability of medium- and high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays coupled with sophisticated statistical techniques. It is becoming easier to access high-dimensional genomic data in cattle. Continuously declining genotyping costs and an increase in services that use genomic data to increase return on investment have both made a significant contribution to this. The field of genomics has come a long way thanks to groundbreaking discoveries such as radiation-hybrid mapping, in situ hybridization, synteny analysis, somatic cell genetics, cytogenetic maps, molecular markers, association studies for quantitative trait loci, high-throughput SNP genotyping, whole-genome shotgun sequencing to whole-genome mapping, and genome editing. These advancements have had a significant positive impact on the field of cattle genomics. This manuscript aimed to review recent advances in genomic technologies for cattle breeding and future prospects in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Ghavi Hossein-Zadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, 41635-1314, Iran
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Estevam DD, Souza JM, Rey FSB, Martins CL, Stafuzza NB, Espigolan R, Millen DD, Arrigoni MDB. Identification of genomic regions and pathways associated with traits related to rumen acidosis in feedlot Nellore cattle. J Anim Breed Genet 2024; 141:491-506. [PMID: 38375946 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
There may be an increased risk of metabolic disorders, such as rumen acidosis, in cattle fed high-concentrate diets, particularly those from Bos taurus indicus genotypes, which have shown to be more sensitive to ruminal acidification. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate (co)variance components and identify genomic regions and pathways associated with ruminal acidosis in feedlot Nellore cattle fed high-concentrate diets. It was utilized a dataset containing a total of 642 Nellore bulls that were genotyped from seven feedlot nutrition studies. The GGP Indicus 35k panel was used with the single step genome-wide association study methodology in which the effects of the markers were obtained from the genomic values estimated by the GBLUP model. A bivariate model to estimate genetic correlations between the economically important traits and indicator traits for acidosis was used. The traits evaluated in this study that were nutritionally related to rumen acidosis included average daily gain (ADG), final body weight, time spent eating (TSE), time spent ruminating, rumenitis score (RUM), rumen absorptive surface area (ASA), rumen keratinized layer thickness (KER) and hot carcass weight (HCW). The identified candidate genes were mainly involved in the negative or non-regulation of the apoptotic process, salivary secretion, and transmembrane transport. The genetic correlation between HCW and ASA was low positive (0.27 ± 0.23), and between ADG and ASA was high moderate (0.58 ± 0.59). A positive genetic correlation between RUM and all performance traits was observed, and TSE correlated negatively with HCW (-0.33 ± 0.21), ASA (-0.75 ± 0.48), and KER (-0.40 ± 0.27). The genetic association between economically important traits and indicator traits for acidosis suggested that Nellore cattle may be more sensitive to acidosis in feedlot systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela D Estevam
- Department of Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Johnny M Souza
- Department of Animal Science, College of Technology and Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Dracena, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando S B Rey
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cyntia L Martins
- Department of Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nedenia B Stafuzza
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Institute (IZ), São Paulo's Agency for Agribusiness Technology (APTA), Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Espigolan
- Department of Animal Science and Biological Sciences (DZCB), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Palmeira das Missões, Brazil
| | - Danilo D Millen
- Department of Animal Science, College of Technology and Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Dracena, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mario D B Arrigoni
- Department of Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chen CC, Lin CY, Lu HY, Liou CH, Ho YN, Huang CW, Zhang ZF, Kao CH, Yang WC, Gong HY. Transcriptomics and gut microbiome analysis of the edible herb Bidens pilosa as a functional feed additive to promote growth and metabolism in tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). BMC Genomics 2024; 25:785. [PMID: 39138417 PMCID: PMC11323441 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
To reduce the use of antibiotics and chemicals in aquaculture, an edible herb, Bidens pilosa, has been selected as a multifunctional feed additive. Although there has been considerable research into the effects of B. pilosa on poultry, the wider effects of B. pilosa, particularly on the growth and gut microbiota of fish, remain largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the interactive effects between the host on growth and the gut microbiota using transcriptomics and the gut microbiota in B. pilosa-fed tilapia. In this study, we added 0.5% and 1% B. pilosa to the diet and observed that the growth performance of tilapia significantly increased over 8 weeks of feeding. Comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on RNA sequence profiles obtained from liver and muscle tissues. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that B. pilosa regulates several pathways and genes involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, endocrine system, signal transduction, and metabolism of other amino acids. The expression of the selected growth-associated genes was validated by qRT-PCR. The qRT-PCR results indicated that B. pilosa may enhance growth performance by activating the expression of the liver igf1 and muscle igf1rb genes and inhibiting the expression of the muscle negative regulator mstnb. Both the enhancement of liver endocrine IGF1/IGF1Rb signaling and the suppression of muscle autocrine/paracrine MSTN signaling induced the expression of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), myod1, myog and mrf4 in muscle to promote muscle growth in tilapia. The predicted function of the gut microbiota showed several significantly different pathways that overlapped with the KEGG enrichment results of differentially expressed genes in the liver transcriptomes. This finding suggested that the gut microbiota may influence liver metabolism through the gut-liver axis in B. pilosa-fed tilapia. In conclusion, dietary B. pilosa can regulate endocrine IGF1 signaling and autocrine/paracrine MSTN signaling to activate the expression of MRFs to promote muscle growth and alter the composition of gut bacteria, which can then affect liver amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, endocrine system, lipid metabolism, metabolism of other amino acids, and signal transduction in the host, ultimately enhancing growth performance. Our results suggest that B. pilosa has the potential to be a functional additive that can be used as an alternative to reduce antibiotic use as a growth promoter in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Chun Chen
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yen Lin
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Lu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chyng-Hwa Liou
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ning Ho
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Wen Huang
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Zhong-Fu Zhang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Kao
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Yang
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Agriculture Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yi Gong
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.
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38
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Mackels L, Mariot V, Buscemi L, Servais L, Dumonceaux J. Impact of Disease Severity and Disease-Modifying Therapies on Myostatin Levels in SMA Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8763. [PMID: 39201450 PMCID: PMC11354404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials with treatments inhibiting myostatin pathways to increase muscle mass are currently ongoing in spinal muscular atrophy. Given evidence of potential myostatin pathway downregulation in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), restoring sufficient myostatin levels using disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) might arguably be necessary prior to considering myostatin inhibitors as an add-on treatment. This retrospective study assessed pre-treatment myostatin and follistatin levels' correlation with disease severity and explored their alteration by disease-modifying treatment in SMA. We retrospectively collected clinical characteristics, motor scores, and mysotatin and follistatin levels between 2018 and 2020 in 25 Belgian patients with SMA (SMA1 (n = 13), SMA2 (n = 6), SMA 3 (n = 6)) and treated by nusinersen. Data were collected prior to treatment and after 2, 6, 10, 18, and 30 months of treatment. Myostatin levels correlated with patients' age, weight, SMA type, and motor function before treatment initiation. After treatment, we observed correlations between myostatin levels and some motor function scores (i.e., MFM32, HFMSE, 6MWT), but no major effect of nusinersen on myostatin or follistatin levels over time. In conclusion, further research is needed to determine if DMTs can impact myostatin and follistatin levels in SMA, and how this could potentially influence patient selection for ongoing myostatin inhibitor trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurane Mackels
- Adult Neurology Department, Citadelle Hospital, 1 Boulevard Du 12e De Ligne, 4000 Liege, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Virginie Mariot
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre and Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
| | - Laura Buscemi
- Neuromuscular Center, Citadelle Hospital, 1 Boulevard Du 12e De Ligne, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Neuromuscular Center, Division of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Boulevard Du 12e De Ligne, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Julie Dumonceaux
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre and Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
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Lam P, Zygmunt DA, Ashbrook A, Bennett M, Vetter TA, Martin PT. Dual FKRP/FST gene therapy normalizes ambulation, increases strength, decreases pathology, and amplifies gene expression in LGMDR9 mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2604-2623. [PMID: 38910327 PMCID: PMC11405156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical studies of single gene replacement therapy for neuromuscular disorders have shown they can slow or stop disease progression, but such therapies have had little impact on reversing muscle disease that was already present. To reverse disease in patients with muscular dystrophy, new muscle mass and strength must be rebuilt at the same time that gene replacement prevents subsequent disease. Here, we show that treatment of FKRPP448L mice with a dual FKRP/FST gene therapy packaged into a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector can build muscle strength and mass that exceed levels found in wild-type mice and can induce normal ambulation endurance in a 1-h walk test. Dual FKRP/FST therapy also showed more even increases in muscle mass and amplified muscle expression of both genes relative to either single gene therapy alone. These data suggest that treatment with single AAV-bearing dual FKRP/FST gene therapies can overcome loss of ambulation by improving muscle strength at the same time it prevents subsequent muscle damage. This design platform could be used to create therapies for other forms of muscular dystrophy that may improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Lam
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Deborah A Zygmunt
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Anna Ashbrook
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Macey Bennett
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tatyana A Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Paul T Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Braun P, Alawi M, Saygi C, Pantel K, Wagers AJ. Expression profiling by high-throughput sequencing reveals GADD45, SMAD7, EGR-1 and HOXA3 activation in Myostatin (MSTN) and GDF11 treated myoblasts. Genet Mol Biol 2024; 47:e20230304. [PMID: 39012095 PMCID: PMC11256782 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2023-0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and myostatin (MSTN/GDF8) are closely related members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, sharing structural homology. Despite these structural similarities, recent research has shed light on the distinct roles these ligands play within muscle tissue. This study aims to uncover both the differences and similarities in gene expression at the transcriptome level by utilizing RNA sequencing. We conducted experiments involving five distinct groups, each with three biological replicates, using C2C12 cell cultures. The cells were subjected to high-throughput profiling to investigate disparities in gene expression patterns following preconditioning with either GDF11 or MSTN at concentrations of 1 nM and 10 nM, respectively. In addition, control groups were established. Our research revealed concentration-dependent gene expression patterns, with 38 genes showing significant differences when compared to the control groups. Notably, GADD45, SMAD7, EGR-1, and HOXA3 exhibited significant differential expression. We also conducted an over-representation analysis, highlighting the activation of MAPK and JNK signaling pathways, along with GO-terms related to genes that negatively regulate metabolic processes, biosynthesis, and protein phosphorylation. This study unveiled the activation of several genes not previously discussed in existing literature whose full biological implications are yet to be determined in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Platon Braun
- Harvard University, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Tumor Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with section Pneumology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Bioinformatics Core, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ceren Saygi
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Bioinformatics Core, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Tumor Biology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amy J. Wagers
- Harvard University, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., Boston, MA, United States
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41
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Liu Q, Duan L, Li B, Zhang X, Liu F, Yu J, Shu Y, Hu F, Lin J, Xiong X, Liu S. The key role of myostatin b in somatic growth in fishes derived from distant hybridization. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1441-1454. [PMID: 38561484 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The basic mechanism of heterosis has not been systematically and completely characterized. In previous studies, we obtained three economically important fishes that exhibit rapid growth, WR (WCC ♀ × RCC ♂), WR-II (WR ♀ × WCC ♂), and WR-III (WR-II ♀ × 4nAU ♂), through distant hybridization. However, the mechanism underlying this rapid growth remains unclear. In this study, we found that WR, WR-II, and WR-III showed muscle hypertrophy and higher muscle protein and fat contents compared with their parent species (RCC and WCC). Candidate genes responsible for this rapid growth were then obtained through an analysis of 12 muscle transcriptomes. Notably, the mRNA level of mstnb (myostatin b), which is a negative regulator of myogenesis, was significantly reduced in WR, WR-II, and WR-III compared with the parent species. To verify the function of mstnb, a mstnb-deficient mutant RCC line was generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. The average body weight of mstnb-deficient RCC at 12 months of age was significantly increased by 29.57% compared with that in wild-type siblings. Moreover, the area and number of muscle fibers were significantly increased in mstnb-deficient RCC, indicating hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Furthermore, the muscle protein and fat contents were significantly increased in mstnb-deficient RCC. The molecular regulatory mechanism of mstnb was then revealed by transcription profiling, which showed that genes related to myogenesis (myod, myog, and myf5), protein synthesis (PI3K-AKT-mTOR), and lipogenesis (pparγ and fabp3) were highly activated in hybrid fishes and mstnb-deficient RCC. This study revealed that low expression or deficiency of mstnb regulates somatic growth by promoting myogenesis, protein synthesis, and lipogenesis in hybrid fishes and mstnb-deficient RCC, which provides evidence for the molecular mechanism of heterosis via distant hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Lujiao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Bei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xuanyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Fanglei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Jianming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yuqin Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Fangzhou Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Jingjing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xiong
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
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42
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Chen ZT, Weng ZX, Lin JD, Meng ZX. Myokines: metabolic regulation in obesity and type 2 diabetes. LIFE METABOLISM 2024; 3:loae006. [PMID: 39872377 PMCID: PMC11749576 DOI: 10.1093/lifemeta/loae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2025]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle plays a vital role in the regulation of systemic metabolism, partly through its secretion of endocrine factors which are collectively known as myokines. Altered myokine levels are associated with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). The significance of interorgan crosstalk, particularly through myokines, has emerged as a fundamental aspect of nutrient and energy homeostasis. However, a comprehensive understanding of myokine biology in the setting of obesity and T2D remains a major challenge. In this review, we discuss the regulation and biological functions of key myokines that have been extensively studied during the past two decades, namely interleukin 6 (IL-6), irisin, myostatin (MSTN), growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), apelin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), meteorin-like (Metrnl), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA), Musclin, and Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3). Related to these, we detail the role of exercise in myokine expression and secretion together with their contributions to metabolic physiology and disease. Despite significant advancements in myokine research, many myokines remain challenging to measure accurately and investigate thoroughly. Hence, new research techniques and detection methods should be developed and rigorously tested. Therefore, developing a comprehensive perspective on myokine biology is crucial, as this will likely offer new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity and T2D and may reveal novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Tian Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, China
| | - Zhi-Xuan Weng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jiandie D Lin
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Zhuo-Xian Meng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
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43
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Richman JA, Davis LR, Phelps MP. Gene Function is a Driver of Activin Signaling Pathway Evolution Following Whole-Genome Duplication in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae096. [PMID: 38701021 PMCID: PMC11110936 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The genomes of plant and animal species are influenced by ancestral whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, which have profound impacts on the regulation and function of gene networks. To gain insight into the consequences of WGD events, we characterized the sequence conservation and expression patterns of ohnologs in the highly duplicated activin receptor signaling pathway in rainbow trout (RBT). The RBT activin receptor signaling pathway is defined by tissue-specific expression of inhibitors and ligands and broad expression of receptors and Co-Smad signaling molecules. Signaling pathway ligands exhibited shared expression, while inhibitors and Smad signaling molecules primarily express a single dominant ohnolog. Our findings suggest that gene function influences ohnolog evolution following duplication of the activin signaling pathway in RBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine A Richman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Leah R Davis
- College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael P Phelps
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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44
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Lee SH, Wang CY, Li IJ, Abe G, Ota KG. Exploring the origin of a unique mutant allele in twin-tail goldfish using CRISPR/Cas9 mutants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8716. [PMID: 38622170 PMCID: PMC11018756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58448-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial selection has been widely applied to genetically fix rare phenotypic features in ornamental domesticated animals. For many of these animals, the mutated loci and alleles underlying rare phenotypes are known. However, few studies have explored whether these rare genetic mutations might have been fixed due to competition among related mutated alleles or if the fixation occurred due to contingent stochastic events. Here, we performed genetic crossing with twin-tail ornamental goldfish and CRISPR/Cas9-mutated goldfish to investigate why only a single mutated allele-chdS with a E127X stop codon (also called chdAE127X)-gives rise to the twin-tail phenotype in the modern domesticated goldfish population. Two closely related chdS mutants were generated with CRISPR/Cas9 and compared with the E127X allele in F2 and F3 generations. Both of the CRISPR/Cas9-generated alleles were equivalent to the E127X allele in terms of penetrance/expressivity of the twin-tail phenotype and viability of carriers. These findings indicate that multiple truncating mutations could have produced viable twin-tail goldfish. Therefore, the absence of polymorphic alleles for the twin-tail phenotype in modern goldfish likely stems from stochastic elimination or a lack of competing alleles in the common ancestor. Our study is the first experimental comparison of a singular domestication-derived allele with CRISPR/Cas9-generated alleles to understand how genetic fixation of a unique genotype and phenotype may have occurred. Thus, our work may provide a conceptual framework for future investigations of rare evolutionary events in domesticated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hua Lee
- Laboratory of Aquatic Zoology, Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Yilan, 26242, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yi Wang
- Laboratory of Aquatic Zoology, Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Yilan, 26242, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Jia Li
- Laboratory of Aquatic Zoology, Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Yilan, 26242, Taiwan
| | - Gembu Abe
- Laboratory of Aquatic Zoology, Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Yilan, 26242, Taiwan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Functional Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Life Science, Tottori University, Nishi-cho 86, Yonago, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kinya G Ota
- Laboratory of Aquatic Zoology, Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Yilan, 26242, Taiwan.
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45
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Colombi D, Rovelli G, Luigi-Sierra MG, Ceccobelli S, Guan D, Perini F, Sbarra F, Quaglia A, Sarti FM, Pasquini M, Amills M, Lasagna E. Population structure and identification of genomic regions associated with productive traits in five Italian beef cattle breeds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8529. [PMID: 38609445 PMCID: PMC11014930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59269-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Italy has a long history in beef production, with local breeds such as Marchigiana, Chianina, Romagnola, Maremmana, and Podolica which produce high-quality meat. Selection has improved meat production, precocity, growth ability and muscle development, but the genetic determinism of such traits is mostly unknown. Using 33K SNPs-data from young bulls (N = 4064) belonging to these five Italian breeds, we demonstrated that the Maremmana and Podolica rustic breeds are closely related, while the specialised Marchigiana, Chianina, and Romagnola breeds are more differentiated. A genome-wide association study for growth and muscle development traits (average daily gain during the performance test, weight at 1 year old, muscularity) was conducted in the five Italian breeds. Results indicated a region on chromosome 2, containing the myostatin gene (MSTN), which displayed significant genome-wide associations with muscularity in Marchigiana cattle, a breed in which the muscle hypertrophy phenotype is segregating. Moreover, a significant SNP on chromosome 14 was associated, in the Chianina breed, to muscularity. The identification of diverse genomic regions associated with conformation traits might increase our knowledge about the genomic basis of such traits in Italian beef cattle and, eventually, such information could be used to implement marker-assisted selection of young bulls tested in the performance test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Colombi
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rovelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121, Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, Carrer de la Vall Moronta, 08193, Bellaterra de Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Maria Gracia Luigi-Sierra
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, Carrer de la Vall Moronta, 08193, Bellaterra de Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Simone Ceccobelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (D3A), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Dailu Guan
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, Carrer de la Vall Moronta, 08193, Bellaterra de Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 2251, USA
| | - Francesco Perini
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Fiorella Sbarra
- National Association of Italian Beef-Cattle Breeders (ANABIC), 06132, San Martino in Colle, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Quaglia
- National Association of Italian Beef-Cattle Breeders (ANABIC), 06132, San Martino in Colle, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Sarti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marina Pasquini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (D3A), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marcel Amills
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, Carrer de la Vall Moronta, 08193, Bellaterra de Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain.
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Emiliano Lasagna
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121, Perugia, Italy.
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46
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Shira KA, Murdoch BM, Thornton KJ, Reichhardt CC, Becker GM, Chibisa GE, Murdoch GK. Myokines Produced by Cultured Bovine Satellite Cells Harvested from 3- and 11-Month-Old Angus Steers. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:709. [PMID: 38473094 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The myokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 15 (IL-15), myonectin (CTRP15), fibronectin type III domain containing protein 5/irisin (FNDC5), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are associated with skeletal muscle cell proliferation, differentiation, and muscle hypertrophy in biomedical model species. This study evaluated whether these myokines are produced by cultured bovine satellite cells (BSCs) harvested from 3- and 11-month-old commercial black Angus steers and if the expression and secretion of these targets change across 0, 12, 24, and 48 h in vitro. IL-6, IL-15, FNDC5, and BDNF expression were greater (p ≤ 0.05) in the differentiated vs. undifferentiated BSCs at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h. CTRP15 expression was greater (p ≤ 0.03) in the undifferentiated vs. differentiated BSCs at 24 and 48 h. IL-6 and CTRP15 protein from culture media were greater (p ≤ 0.04) in undifferentiated vs. differentiated BSCs at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h. BDNF protein was greater in the media of differentiated vs. undifferentiated BSCs at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h. IL-6, 1L-15, FNDC5, and BDNF are expressed in association with BSC differentiation, and CTRP15 appears to be expressed in association with BSC proliferation. This study also confirms IL-6, IL-15, CTRP15, and BDNF proteins present in media collected from primary cultures of BSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Shira
- Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Brenda M Murdoch
- Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Kara J Thornton
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Science, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Caleb C Reichhardt
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 1955 East-West Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Becker
- Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Gwinyai E Chibisa
- Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Gordon K Murdoch
- Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
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47
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Li T, Jin M, Wang H, Zhang W, Yuan Z, Wei C. Whole-Genome Scanning for Selection Signatures Reveals Candidate Genes Associated with Growth and Tail Length in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:687. [PMID: 38473071 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared to Chinese indigenous sheep, Western sheep have rapid growth rate, larger physique, and higher meat yield. These excellent Western sheep were introduced into China for crossbreeding to expedite the enhancement of production performance and mutton quality in local breeds. Here, we investigated population genetic structure and genome-wide selection signatures among the Chinese indigenous sheep and the introduced sheep based on whole-genome resequencing data. The PCA, N-J tree and ADMIXTURE results showed significant genetic difference between Chinese indigenous sheep and introduced sheep. The nucleotide diversity (π) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay results indicated that the genomic diversity of introduced breeds were lower. Then, Fst & π ratio, XP-EHH, and de-correlated composite of multiple signals (DCMS) methods were used to detect the selection signals. The results showed that we identified important candidate genes related to growth rate and body size in the introduced breeds. Selected genes with stronger selection signatures are associated with growth rate (CRADD), embryonic development (BVES, LIN28B, and WNT11), body size (HMGA2, MSRB3, and PTCH1), muscle development and fat metabolism (MSTN, PDE3A, LGALS12, GGPS1, and SAR1B), wool color (ASIP), and hair development (KRT71, KRT74, and IRF2BP2). Thus, these genes have the potential to serve as candidate genes for enhancing the growth traits of Chinese indigenous sheep. We also identified tail-length trait-related candidate genes (HOXB13, LIN28A, PAX3, and VEGFA) in Chinese long-tailed breeds. Among these genes, HOXB13 is the main candidate gene for sheep tail length phenotype. LIN28A, PAX3, and VEGFA are related to embryonic development and angiogenesis, so these genes may be candidate genes for sheep tail type traits. This study will serve as a foundation for further genetic improvement of Chinese indigenous sheep and as a reference for studies related to growth and development of sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meilin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zehu Yuan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Caihong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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48
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Xiang X, Bhowmick K, Shetty K, Ohshiro K, Yang X, Wong LL, Yu H, Latham PS, Satapathy SK, Brennan C, Dima RJ, Chambwe N, Sharifova G, Cacaj F, John S, Crawford JM, Huang H, Dasarathy S, Krainer AR, He AR, Amdur RL, Mishra L. Mechanistically based blood proteomic markers in the TGF-β pathway stratify risk of hepatocellular cancer in patients with cirrhosis. Genes Cancer 2024; 15:1-14. [PMID: 38323119 PMCID: PMC10843195 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of death from cancer worldwide but is often diagnosed at an advanced incurable stage. Yet, despite the urgent need for blood-based biomarkers for early detection, few studies capture ongoing biology to identify risk-stratifying biomarkers. We address this gap using the TGF-β pathway because of its biological role in liver disease and cancer, established through rigorous animal models and human studies. Using machine learning methods with blood levels of 108 proteomic markers in the TGF-β family, we found a pattern that differentiates HCC from non-HCC in a cohort of 216 patients with cirrhosis, which we refer to as TGF-β based Protein Markers for Early Detection of HCC (TPEARLE) comprising 31 markers. Notably, 20 of the patients with cirrhosis alone presented an HCC-like pattern, suggesting that they may be a group with as yet undetected HCC or at high risk for developing HCC. In addition, we found two other biologically relevant markers, Myostatin and Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2), which were significantly associated with HCC. We tested these for risk stratification of HCC in multivariable models adjusted for demographic and clinical variables, as well as batch and site. These markers reflect ongoing biology in the liver. They potentially indicate the presence of HCC early in its evolution and before it is manifest as a detectable lesion, thereby providing a set of markers that may be able to stratify risk for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyan Xiang
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Krishanu Bhowmick
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kazufumi Ohshiro
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Xiaochun Yang
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Linda L. Wong
- Department of Surgery, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Herbert Yu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Patricia S. Latham
- Department of Pathology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Sanjaya K. Satapathy
- Department of Medicine, Sandra Atlas Bass Center for Liver Diseases and Transplantation, North Shore University Hospital/Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Christina Brennan
- Office of Clinical Research, Northwell Health, Lake Success, NY 11042, USA
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Richard J. Dima
- Office of Clinical Research, Northwell Health, Lake Success, NY 11042, USA
| | - Nyasha Chambwe
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Gulru Sharifova
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Fellanza Cacaj
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Sahara John
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | | | - Hai Huang
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | - Aiwu R. He
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Richard L. Amdur
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Quantitative Intelligence, The Institutes for Health Systems Science, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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49
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Muntoni F, Byrne BJ, McMillan HJ, Ryan MM, Wong BL, Dukart J, Bansal A, Cosson V, Dreghici R, Guridi M, Rabbia M, Staunton H, Tirucherai GS, Yen K, Yuan X, Wagner KR. The Clinical Development of Taldefgrobep Alfa: An Anti-Myostatin Adnectin for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:183-219. [PMID: 38190001 PMCID: PMC10787703 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disorder that manifests during early childhood and is ultimately fatal. Recently approved treatments targeting the genetic cause of DMD are limited to specific subpopulations of patients, highlighting the need for therapies with wider applications. Pharmacologic inhibition of myostatin, an endogenous inhibitor of muscle growth produced almost exclusively in skeletal muscle, has been shown to increase muscle mass in several species, including humans. Taldefgrobep alfa is an anti-myostatin recombinant protein engineered to bind to and block myostatin signaling. Preclinical studies of taldefgrobep alfa demonstrated significant decreases in myostatin and increased lower limb volume in three animal species, including dystrophic mice. METHODS This manuscript reports the cumulative data from three separate clinical trials of taldefgrobep alfa in DMD: a phase 1 study in healthy adult volunteers (NCT02145234), and two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in ambulatory boys with DMD-a phase 1b/2 trial assessing safety (NCT02515669) and a phase 2/3 trial including the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) as the primary endpoint (NCT03039686). RESULTS In healthy adult volunteers, taldefgrobep alfa was generally well tolerated and resulted in a significant increase in thigh muscle volume. Treatment with taldefgrobep alfa was associated with robust dose-dependent suppression of free myostatin. In the phase 1b/2 trial, myostatin suppression was associated with a positive effect on lean body mass, though effects on muscle mass were modest. The phase 2/3 trial found that the effects of treatment did not meet the primary endpoint pre-specified futility analysis threshold (change from baseline of ≥ 1.5 points on the NSAA total score). CONCLUSIONS The futility analysis demonstrated that taldefgrobep alfa did not result in functional change for boys with DMD. The program was subsequently terminated in 2019. Overall, there were no safety concerns, and no patients were withdrawn from treatment as a result of treatment-related adverse events or serious adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02145234, NCT02515669, NCT03039686.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Hugh J McMillan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monique M Ryan
- Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brenda L Wong
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Juergen Dukart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Roxana Dreghici
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
- Solid Biosciences Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Karl Yen
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
- Sanofi, Paris, France
| | | | - Kathryn R Wagner
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Ji S, Jung HW, Baek JY, Jang IY, Lee E. Sarcopenia as the Mobility Phenotype of Aging: Clinical Implications. J Bone Metab 2024; 31:1-12. [PMID: 38485236 PMCID: PMC10940105 DOI: 10.11005/jbm.2024.31.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, which is characterized by an age-related decline in muscle mass and function, poses significant challenges to geriatric care. Its definition has evolved from muscle-specific criteria to include muscle mass, muscle function, and physical performance, recognizing sarcopenia as a physical frailty. Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes, including mortality, falls, fractures, cognitive decline, and admission to long-term care facilities. Neuromechanical factors, protein-energy balance, and muscle protein synthesis-breakdown mechanisms contribute to its pathophysiology. The identification of sarcopenia involves screening tests and a comprehensive assessment of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Clinical approaches aligned with the principles of comprehensive geriatric assessment prioritize patient-centered care. This assessment aids in identifying issues related to activities of daily living, cognition, mood, nutrition, and social support, alongside other aspects. The general approach to factors underlying muscle loss and functional decline in patients with sarcopenia includes managing chronic diseases and evaluating administered medications, with interventions including exercise and nutrition, as well as evolving pharmacological options. Ongoing research targeting pathways, such as myostatin-activin and exercise mimetics, holds promise for pharmacological interventions. In summary, sarcopenia requires a multifaceted approach, acknowledging its complex etiology and tailoring interventions to individual patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghwan Ji
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-Won Jung
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Baek
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il-Young Jang
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunju Lee
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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