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Mughal S, Sabater-Arcis M, Artero R, Ramón-Azcón J, Fernández-Costa JM. Taurine activates the AKT-mTOR axis to restore muscle mass and contractile strength in human 3D in vitro models of steroid myopathy. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050540. [PMID: 38655653 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroid myopathy is a clinically challenging condition exacerbated by prolonged corticosteroid use or adrenal tumors. In this study, we engineered a functional three-dimensional (3D) in vitro skeletal muscle model to investigate steroid myopathy. By subjecting our bioengineered muscle tissues to dexamethasone treatment, we reproduced the molecular and functional aspects of this disease. Dexamethasone caused a substantial reduction in muscle force, myotube diameter and induced fatigue. We observed nuclear translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) and activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system within our model, suggesting their coordinated role in muscle atrophy. We then examined the therapeutic potential of taurine in our 3D model for steroid myopathy. Our findings revealed an upregulation of phosphorylated AKT by taurine, effectively countering the hyperactivation of the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. Importantly, we demonstrate that discontinuing corticosteroid treatment was insufficient to restore muscle mass and function. Taurine treatment, when administered concurrently with corticosteroids, notably enhanced contractile strength and protein turnover by upregulating the AKT-mTOR axis. Our model not only identifies a promising therapeutic target, but also suggests combinatorial treatment that may benefit individuals undergoing corticosteroid treatment or those diagnosed with adrenal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeza Mughal
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sabater-Arcis
- University Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit Incliva- CIPF, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ruben Artero
- University Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit Incliva- CIPF, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Ramón-Azcón
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Reserca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, E08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M Fernández-Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
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