bims-moremu Biomed News
on Molecular regulators of muscle mass
Issue of 2022–04–17
43 papers selected by
Anna Vainshtein, Craft Science Inc.
  1. Improving skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity via beta2-agonist administration: a promising strategy to counteract metabolic disease and muscle loss.
  2. Long-term maintenance of dystrophin expression and resistance to injury of skeletal muscle in gene edited DMD mice.
  3. Myoblast deactivation within engineered human skeletal muscle creates a transcriptionally heterogeneous population of quiescent satellite-like cells.
  4. Skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of miR-486 limits mammary tumor-induced skeletal muscle functional limitations.
  5. Using exercise training to improve glycemic control and uncover mechanisms of impaired skeletal muscle in type 1 diabetics.
  6. Diabetic sarcopenia: metabolic and molecular appraisal.
  7. Endurance exercise attenuates juvenile irradiation-induced skeletal muscle functional decline and mitochondrial stress.
  8. Activin A Causes Muscle Atrophy through MEF2C-Dependent Impaired Myogenesis.
  9. Transcription factors KLF15 and PPARδ cooperatively orchestrate genome-wide regulation of lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle.
  10. Characterization of skeletal muscle wasting pathways in diaphragm and limb muscles of cystic fibrosis mice.
  11. A Single Bout of Ultra-Endurance Exercise Reveals Early Signs of Muscle Aging in Master Athletes.
  12. The Role of Skeletal Muscle in Neuromuscular Diseases: From Cellular and Molecular Players to Therapeutic Interventions.
  13. Endoplasmic reticulum stress downregulates PGC-1α in skeletal muscle through ATF4 and an mTOR-mediated reduction of CRTC2.
  14. Apelin Resistance Contributes to Muscle Loss during Cancer Cachexia in Mice.
  15. Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced myotube atrophy.
  16. TNF-α Induced Myotube Atrophy in C2C12 Cell Line Uncovers Putative Inflammatory-Related lncRNAs Mediating Muscle Wasting.
  17. In vivo PS-OCT needle probe scan of human skeletal muscle.
  18. Genetic variation of putative myokine signaling is dominated by biologic sex and sex hormones.
  19. Acute exposure to a clinical dose of metformin increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial H2O2 emission and production in healthy, older adults: A randomized controlled trial.
  20. Nitrate consumption preserves HFD-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial ADP sensitivity and lysine acetylation: A potential role for SIRT1.
  21. Serine Palmitoyltransferase Gene Silencing Prevents Ceramide Accumulation and Insulin Resistance in Muscles in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.
  22. Nitric oxide and skeletal muscle contractile function.
  23. Role of Glucocorticoid Signaling and HDAC4 Activation in Diaphragm and Gastrocnemius Proteolytic Activity in Septic Rats.
  24. Unchecked oxidative stress in skeletal muscle prevents outgrowth of disseminated tumour cells.
  25. CDP-ribitol prodrug treatment ameliorates ISPD-deficient muscular dystrophy mouse model.
  26. Adaptive Remodeling of the Neuromuscular Junction with Aging.
  27. Genetic deletion of IL-6 increases CK-MB, a classic cardiac damage marker, and decreases UPRmt genes after exhaustive exercise.
  28. What is behind the curtain? Revealing muscle metaboreceptor sensitization.
  29. Detecting subtle yet fast skeletal muscle contractions with ultrasoft and durable graphene-based cellular materials.
  30. The role of protein glycosylation in muscle diseases.
  31. Mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication in aging: an epigenetic perspective.
  32. Effect of stimulation frequency on force, power, and fatigue of isolated mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle.
  33. Expanded CUG Repeat RNA Induces Premature Senescence in Myotonic Dystrophy Model Cells.
  34. The regulating pathway of creatine on muscular protein metabolism depends on the energy state.
  35. Nestin and osteocrin mRNA increases in human semitendinosus myotendinous junction 7 days after a single bout of eccentric exercise.
  36. The effect of animal versus plant protein on muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance and sarcopenia in adults: protocol for a systematic review.
  37. A combinatorial approach increases SMN level in SMA model mice.
  38. Characterisation of the transient mechanical response and the electromyographical activation of lower leg muscles in whole body vibration training.
  39. CTRP14 inactivation alters physical activity and food intake response to fasting and refeeding.
  40. Gestational Exercise Increases Male Offspring's Maximal Workload Capacity Early in Life.
  41. The optimized quantum dot mediated thermometry reveals isoform specific differences in efficiency of myosin extracted from muscle mini bundles.
  42. SnapShot: Regulation and biology of PGC-1α.
  43. Myokines and Resistance Training: A Narrative Review.
  1. J Physiol. 2022 Apr 12.
    Improving skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity via beta2-agonist administration: a promising strategy to counteract metabolic disease and muscle loss.
    Marlou L Dirks.
      
    Keywords:  glucose uptake; insulin resistance; muscle atrophy; skeletal muscle
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1113/JP282992
  2. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 2022 Jun 14. 28 154-167
    Long-term maintenance of dystrophin expression and resistance to injury of skeletal muscle in gene edited DMD mice.
    Dileep R Karri, Yu Zhang, Francesco Chemello, Yi-Li Min, Jian Huang, Jiwoong Kim, Pradeep P A Mammen, Lin Xu, Ning Liu, Rhonda Bassel-Duby, Eric N Olson.
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been used to correct DMD mutations in animal models at young ages. However, the longevity and durability of CRISPR/Cas9 editing remained to be determined. To address these issues, we subjected ΔEx44 DMD mice to systemic delivery of AAV9-expressing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing components to reframe exon 45 of the dystrophin gene, allowing robust dystrophin expression and maintenance of muscle structure and function. We found that genome correction by CRISPR/Cas9 confers lifelong expression of dystrophin in mice and that corrected skeletal muscle is highly durable and resistant to myofiber necrosis and fibrosis, even in response to chronic injury. In contrast, when muscle fibers were ablated by barium chloride injection, we observed a loss of gene edited dystrophin expression. Analysis of on- and off-target editing in aged mice confirmed the stability of gene correction and the lack of significant off-target editing at 18 months of age. These findings demonstrate the long-term durability of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing as a therapy for maintaining the integrity and function of DMD muscle, even under conditions of stress.
    Keywords:  AAV; CRISPR/Cas9; Duchenne muscular dystrophy; exon reframing; gene editing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtn.2022.03.004
  3. Biomaterials. 2022 Apr 07. pii: S0142-9612(22)00147-8. [Epub ahead of print]284 121508
    Myoblast deactivation within engineered human skeletal muscle creates a transcriptionally heterogeneous population of quiescent satellite-like cells.
    Jason Wang, Torie Broer, Taylor Chavez, Chris J Zhou, Sabrina Tran, Yu Xiang, Alastair Khodabukus, Yarui Diao, Nenad Bursac.
      Satellite cells (SCs), the adult Pax7-expressing stem cells of skeletal muscle, are essential for muscle repair. However, in vitro investigations of SC function are challenging due to isolation-induced SC activation, loss of native quiescent state, and differentiation to myoblasts. In the present study, we optimized methods to deactivate in vitro expanded human myoblasts within a 3D culture environment of engineered human skeletal muscle tissues ("myobundles"). Immunostaining and gene expression analyses revealed that a fraction of myoblasts within myobundles adopted a quiescent phenotype (3D-SCs) characterized by increased Pax7 expression, cell cycle exit, and activation of Notch signaling. Similar to native SCs, 3D-SC quiescence is regulated by Notch and Wnt signaling while loss of quiescence and reactivation of 3D-SCs can be induced by growth factors including bFGF. Myobundle injury with a bee toxin, melittin, induces robust myofiber fragmentation, functional decline, and 3D-SC proliferation. By applying single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), we discover the existence of two 3D-SC subpopulations (quiescent and activated), identify deactivation-associated gene signature using trajectory inference between 2D myoblasts and 3D-SCs, and characterize the transcriptomic changes within reactivated 3D-SCs in response to melittin-induced injury. These results demonstrate the ability of an in vitro engineered 3D human skeletal muscle environment to support the formation of a quiescent and heterogeneous SC population recapitulating several aspects of the native SC phenotype, and provide a platform for future studies of human muscle regeneration and disease-associated SC dysfunction.
    Keywords:  Activation; Engineered skeletal muscle; Human; Quiescence; Satellite cells; scRNA-seq
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121508
  4. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 2022 Jun 14. 28 231-248
    Skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of miR-486 limits mammary tumor-induced skeletal muscle functional limitations.
    Ruizhong Wang, Brijesh Kumar, Emma H Doud, Amber L Mosley, Matthew S Alexander, Louis M Kunkel, Harikrishna Nakshatri.
      miR-486 is a myogenic microRNA, and its reduced skeletal muscle expression is observed in muscular dystrophy. Transgenic overexpression of miR-486 using muscle creatine kinase promoter (MCK-miR-486) partially rescues muscular dystrophy phenotype. We had previously demonstrated reduced circulating and skeletal muscle miR-486 levels with accompanying skeletal muscle defects in mammary tumor models. To determine whether skeletal muscle miR-486 is functionally similar in dystrophies and cancer, we performed functional limitations and biochemical studies of skeletal muscles of MMTV-Neu mice that mimic HER2+ breast cancer and MMTV-PyMT mice that mimic luminal subtype B breast cancer and these mice crossed to MCK-miR-486 mice. miR-486 significantly prevented tumor-induced reduction in muscle contraction force, grip strength, and rotarod performance in MMTV-Neu mice. In this model, miR-486 reversed cancer-induced skeletal muscle changes, including loss of p53, phospho-AKT, and phospho-laminin alpha 2 (LAMA2) and gain of hnRNPA0 and SRSF10 phosphorylation. LAMA2 is a part of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex, and its loss of function causes congenital muscular dystrophy. Complementing these beneficial effects on muscle, miR-486 indirectly reduced tumor growth and improved survival, which is likely due to systemic effects of miR-486 on production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. Thus, similar to dystrophy, miR-486 has the potential to reverse skeletal muscle defects and cancer burden.
    Keywords:  DMD:non-coding RNAs; breast cancer; functional limitations; miR-486; skeletal muscle
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtn.2022.03.009
  5. J Physiol. 2022 Apr 14.
    Using exercise training to improve glycemic control and uncover mechanisms of impaired skeletal muscle in type 1 diabetics.
    Austin E Carlen, Michael J Hafen, R William Evans, Christian D Olsen.
      
    Keywords:  Type 1 diabetes; exercise; glycemic control; hypoglycemia; mitochondria; muscle adaptation; myopathy; telomere
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1113/JP282964
  6. Acta Diabetol. 2022 Apr 16.
    Diabetic sarcopenia: metabolic and molecular appraisal.
    Hayder A Giha, Osman A O Alamin, Mai S Sater.
      Myopathy is the missing slot from the routine clinical checkup for diabetic complications. Similarly, its pathophysiological, metabolic, and molecular bases are insufficiently explored. In this review, the above issues are highlighted with a focus on skeletal muscle atrophy (also described as diabetic sarcopenia), in contrast to the normal histological, physiological, and molecular features of the muscles. Literature search using published data from different online resources was used. Several diabetic myopathy etiological factors are discussed explicitly including; inflammation and immunological responses, with emphasis on TNFα and IL-6 overproduction, oxidative stress, neuropathy and vasculopathy, aging sarcopenia, antidiabetic drugs, and insulin resistance as a denominator. The pathophysiological hallmark of diabetic muscle atrophy is the decreased muscle proteins synthesis and increased degradation. The muscle protein degradation is conveyed by 4 systems; ubiquitin-proteasome, lysosomal autophagy, caspase-3, and calpain systems, and is mostly mediated via the IL6/STAT, TNF&IL6/NFκB, myostatin/Smad2/3, and FOXO1/3 signaling pathways, while the protein synthesis inhibition is mediated via suppression of the IGF1-PI3K-Akt-mTOR, and SC-Gαi2-pathways. Moreover, the satellite cells and multilineage muscle mesenchymal progenitor cells differentiation plays a major role on the fate of the affected muscle cells by taking an adipogenic, fibrogenic, or connective tissue lineage. As a conclusion, in this article, the pathological features of diabetic sarcopenia are reviewed at gross level, while at a molecular level the normal protein turnover, signal transduction, and pathways involved in muscle atrophy are described. Finally, an integrated network describing the molecular partakers in diabetic sarcopenia is presented.
    Keywords:  Diabetic complications; Protein turnover; Sarcopenia; Skeletal muscles; T2DM
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00592-022-01883-2
  7. Skelet Muscle. 2022 Apr 12. 12(1): 8
    Endurance exercise attenuates juvenile irradiation-induced skeletal muscle functional decline and mitochondrial stress.
    Thomas N O'Connor, Jacob G Kallenbach, Haley M Orciuoli, Nicole D Paris, John F Bachman, Carl J Johnston, Eric Hernady, Jacqueline P Williams, Robert T Dirksen, Joe V Chakkalakal.
       BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat childhood cancers and can have adverse effects on muscle function, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. We hypothesized that endurance exercise following radiation treatment would improve skeletal muscle function.
    METHODS: We utilized the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) to irradiate juvenile male mice with a clinically relevant fractionated dose of 3× (every other day over 5 days) 8.2 Gy X-ray irradiation locally from the knee to footpad region of the right hindlimb. Mice were then singly housed for 1 month in cages equipped with either locked or free-spinning voluntary running wheels. Ex vivo muscle contractile function, RT-qPCR analyses, resting cytosolic and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) store Ca2+ levels, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels (MitoSOX), and immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses of muscle samples were conducted to assess the muscle pathology and the relative therapeutic impact of voluntary wheel running (VWR).
    RESULTS: Irradiation reduced fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle-specific force by 27% compared to that of non-irradiated mice, while VWR post-irradiation improved muscle-specific force by 37%. Radiation treatment similarly reduced slow-twitch soleus muscle-specific force by 14% compared to that of non-irradiated mice, while VWR post-irradiation improved specific force by 18%. We assessed intracellular Ca2+ regulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial homeostasis as potential mechanisms of radiation-induced pathology and exercise-mediated rescue. We found a significant reduction in resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration following irradiation in sedentary mice. Intriguingly, however, SR Ca2+ store content was increased in myofibers from irradiated mice post-VWR compared to mice that remained sedentary. We observed a 73% elevation in the overall protein oxidization in muscle post-irradiation, while VWR reduced protein nitrosylation by 35% and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by 50%. Finally, we found that VWR significantly increased the expression of PGC1α at both the transcript and protein levels, consistent with an exercise-dependent increase in mitochondrial biogenesis.
    CONCLUSIONS: Juvenile irradiation stunted muscle development, disrupted proper Ca2+ handling, damaged mitochondria, and increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, paralleling significant deficits in muscle force production. Exercise mitigated aberrant Ca2+ handling, mitochondrial homeostasis, and increased oxidative and nitrosative stress in a manner that correlated with improved skeletal muscle function after radiation.
    Keywords:  Calcium handling; Exercise; Mitochondria; Muscle; Oxidative/nitrosative stress; Physiology; Radiation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13395-022-00291-y
  8. Cells. 2022 Mar 25. pii: 1119. [Epub ahead of print]11(7):
    Activin A Causes Muscle Atrophy through MEF2C-Dependent Impaired Myogenesis.
    Audrey Loumaye, Pascale Lause, Xiaoling Zhong, Teresa A Zimmers, Laure B Bindels, Jean-Paul Thissen.
      Activin A (ActA) is considered to play a major role in cancer-induced cachexia (CC). Indeed, circulating ActA levels are elevated and predict survival in patients with CC. However, the mechanisms by which ActA mediates CC development and in particular skeletal muscle (SM) atrophy in humans are not yet fully understood. In this work, we aimed to investigate the effects of ActA on human SM and in mouse models of CC. We used a model of human muscle cells in culture to explore how ActA acts towards human SM. In this model, recombinant ActA induced myotube atrophy associated with the decline of MyHC-β/slow, the main myosin isoform in human muscle cells studied. Moreover, ActA inhibited the expression and activity of MEF2C, the transcription factor regulating MYH7, the gene which codes for MyHC-β/slow. This decrease in MEF2C was involved in the decline of MyHC-β/slow expression, since inhibition of MEF2C by a siRNA leads to the decrease in MyHC-β/slow expression. The relevance of this ActA/MEF2C pathway in vivo was supported by the parallel decline of MEF2C expression and SM mass, which are both blunted by ActA inhibition, in animal models of CC. In this work, we showed that ActA is a potent negative regulator of SM mass by inhibiting MyHC-β/slow synthesis through downregulation of MEF2C. This observation highlights a novel interaction between ActA signaling and MEF2C transcriptional activity which contributes to SM atrophy in CC models.
    Keywords:  MEF2C; activin A; muscle atrophy; myogenesis; skeletal muscle
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11071119
  9. J Biol Chem. 2022 Apr 09. pii: S0021-9258(22)00366-0. [Epub ahead of print] 101926
    Transcription factors KLF15 and PPARδ cooperatively orchestrate genome-wide regulation of lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle.
    Liyan Fan, David R Sweet, Erica K Fan, Domenick A Prosdocimo, Annmarie Madera, Zhen Jiang, Roshan Padmanabhan, Saptarsi M Haldar, Vinesh Vinayachandran, Mukesh K Jain.
      Skeletal muscle dynamically regulates systemic nutrient homeostasis through transcriptional adaptations to physiological cues. In response to changes in the metabolic environment (e.g., alterations in circulating glucose or lipid levels), networks of transcription factors and co-regulators are recruited to specific genomic loci to fine-tune homeostatic gene regulation. Elucidating these mechanisms is of particular interest as these gene regulatory pathways can serve as potential targets to treat metabolic disease. The zinc-finger transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) is a critical regulator of metabolic homeostasis, however its genome-wide distribution in skeletal muscle has not been previously identified. Here, we characterize the KLF15 cistrome in vivo in skeletal muscle and find that the majority of KLF15 binding is localized to distal intergenic regions and associated with genes related to circadian rhythmicity and lipid metabolism. We also identify critical interdependence between KLF15 and the nuclear receptor PPARδ in the regulation of lipid metabolic gene programs. We further demonstrate that KLF15 and PPARδ co-localize genome-wide, physically interact, and are dependent on one another to exert their transcriptional effects on target genes. These findings reveal that skeletal muscle KLF15 plays a critical role in metabolic adaptation through its direct actions on target genes and interactions with other nodal transcription factors such as PPARδ.
    Keywords:  Kruppel-like factor (KLF); energy metabolism; metabolism; nuclear receptors; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; skeletal muscle; transcription; transcription factors
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101926
  10. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2022 Apr 12.
    Characterization of skeletal muscle wasting pathways in diaphragm and limb muscles of cystic fibrosis mice.
    Ekaterina Gusev, Feng Liang, Salyan Bhattarai, Felipe E Broering, Jean-Phillipe Leduc-Gaudet, Sabah N A Hussain, Danuta Radzioch, Basil Petrof.
       BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients often suffer from skeletal muscle atrophy, most often attributed to physical inactivity and nutritional factors. CF is also characterized by abnormally elevated systemic inflammation. However, it is unknown whether the lack of a functional CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene predisposes to exaggerated inflammation-induced muscle proteolysis.
    METHODS: CF mice (CFTR-/-) and their wild-type (WT=CFTR+/+) littermate controls were systemically injected with Pseudomonas-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After 24 hours, the diaphragm and limb muscles (fast-twitch tibialis anterior, slow-twitch soleus) were assessed for induction of inflammatory cytokines (TNFa, IL1b, IL6), oxidative stress, canonical muscle proteolysis pathways (Calpain, Ubiquitin-Proteasome, Autophagy), muscle fiber histology, and diaphragm contractile function.
    RESULTS: At baseline, CF and WT muscles did not differ with respect to indices of inflammation, proteolysis, or contractile function. After LPS exposure, there was significantly greater induction of all proteolysis pathways (Calpain activity; Ubiquitin-Proteasome: MuRF1 and Atrogin1; Autophagy: LC3B, Gabarapl-1, BNIP3) in CF mice for the diaphragm and tibialis anterior, but not the soleus. Proteolysis pathway upregulation and correlations with inflammatory cytokine induction were most prominent in the tibialis anterior. Diaphragm force normalized to muscle cross-sectional area was reduced by LPS to an equivalent degree in CF and WT mice.
    CONCLUSIONS: CF skeletal muscles containing a high proportion of fast-twitch fibers (diaphragm, tibialis anterior) exhibit abnormally exaggerated upregulation of multiple muscle wasting pathways after exposure to an acute inflammatory stimulus, but not under basal conditions.
    Keywords:  CFTR; Cachexia; atrophy; inflammatory cytokines; proteolysis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00225.2021
  11. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 28. pii: 3713. [Epub ahead of print]23(7):
    A Single Bout of Ultra-Endurance Exercise Reveals Early Signs of Muscle Aging in Master Athletes.
    Cécile Coudy-Gandilhon, Marine Gueugneau, Christophe Chambon, Daniel Taillandier, Lydie Combaret, Cécile Polge, Guillaume Y Millet, Léonard Féasson, Daniel Béchet.
      Middle-aged and master endurance athletes exhibit similar physical performance and long-term muscle adaptation to aerobic exercise. Nevertheless, we hypothesized that the short-term plasticity of the skeletal muscle might be distinctly altered for master athletes when they are challenged by a single bout of prolonged moderate-intensity exercise. Six middle-aged (37Y) and five older (50Y) master highly-trained athletes performed a 24-h treadmill run (24TR). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected before and after the run and assessed for proteomics, fiber morphometry, intramyocellular lipid droplets (LD), mitochondrial oxidative activity, extracellular matrix (ECM), and micro-vascularisation. Before 24TR, muscle fiber type morphometry, intramyocellular LD, oxidative activity, ECM and micro-vascularisation were similar between master and middle-aged runners. For 37Y runners, 24TR was associated with ECM thickening, increased capillary-to-fiber interface, and an 89% depletion of LD in type-I fibers. In contrast, for 50Y runners, 24TR did not alter ECM and capillarization and poorly depleted LDs. Moreover, an impaired succinate dehydrogenase activity and functional class scoring of proteomes suggested reduced oxidative phosphorylation post-24TR exclusively in 50Y muscle. Collectively, our data support that middle-aged and master endurance athletes exhibit distinct transient plasticity in response to a single bout of ultra-endurance exercise, which may constitute early signs of muscle aging for master athletes.
    Keywords:  aging; capillaries; exercise; extracellular matrix; lipid droplets; skeletal muscle
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073713
  12. Cells. 2022 Apr 03. pii: 1207. [Epub ahead of print]11(7):
    The Role of Skeletal Muscle in Neuromuscular Diseases: From Cellular and Molecular Players to Therapeutic Interventions.
    Gabriella Dobrowolny, Bianca Maria Scicchitano.
      Genetic and acquired defects of lower motor neurons, peripheral nerves, or skeletal muscle are responsible for several neuromuscular disorders [...].
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11071207
  13. Cell Commun Signal. 2022 Apr 15. 20(1): 53
    Endoplasmic reticulum stress downregulates PGC-1α in skeletal muscle through ATF4 and an mTOR-mediated reduction of CRTC2.
    Marta Montori-Grau, David Aguilar-Recarte, Mohammad Zarei, Javier Pizarro-Delgado, Xavier Palomer, Manuel Vázquez-Carrera.
       BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) downregulation in skeletal muscle contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we examined the effects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on PGC-1α levels in muscle and the potential mechanisms involved.
    METHODS: The human skeletal muscle cell line LHCN-M2 and mice exposed to different inducers of ER stress were used.
    RESULTS: Palmitate- or tunicamycin-induced ER stress resulted in PGC-1α downregulation and enhanced expression of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in human myotubes and mouse skeletal muscle. Overexpression of ATF4 decreased basal PCG-1α expression, whereas ATF4 knockdown abrogated the reduction of PCG-1α caused by tunicamycin in myotubes. ER stress induction also activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in myotubes and reduced the nuclear levels of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription co-activator 2 (CRTC2), a positive modulator of PGC-1α transcription. The mTOR inhibitor torin 1 restored PCG-1α and CRTC2 protein levels. Moreover, siRNA against S6 kinase, an mTORC1 downstream target, prevented the reduction in the expression of CRTC2 and PGC-1α caused by the ER stressor tunicamycin.
    CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ATF4 and the mTOR-CRTC2 axis regulates PGC-1α transcription under ER stress conditions in skeletal muscle, suggesting that its inhibition might be a therapeutic target for insulin resistant states. Video Abstract.
    Keywords:  CRTC2; ER stress; IRS1; PGC-1α; Skeletal muscle; mTOR
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-022-00865-9
  14. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Apr 02. pii: 1814. [Epub ahead of print]14(7):
    Apelin Resistance Contributes to Muscle Loss during Cancer Cachexia in Mice.
    Andrea David Re Cecconi, Mara Barone, Mara Forti, Martina Lunardi, Alfredo Cagnotto, Mario Salmona, Davide Olivari, Lorena Zentilin, Andrea Resovi, Perla Persichitti, Dorina Belotti, Federica Palo, Nobuyuki Takakura, Hiroyasu Kidoya, Rosanna Piccirillo.
      Cancer cachexia consists of dramatic body weight loss with rapid muscle depletion due to imbalanced protein homeostasis. We found that the mRNA levels of apelin decrease in muscles from cachectic hepatoma-bearing rats and three mouse models of cachexia. Furthermore, apelin expression inversely correlates with MuRF1 in muscle biopsies from cancer patients. To shed light on the possible role of apelin in cachexia in vivo, we generated apelin 13 carrying all the last 13 amino acids of apelin in D isomers, ultimately extending plasma stability. Notably, apelin D-peptides alter cAMP-based signaling in vitro as the L-peptides, supporting receptor binding. In vitro apelin 13 protects myotube diameter from dexamethasone-induced atrophy, restrains rates of degradation of long-lived proteins and MuRF1 expression, but fails to protect mice from atrophy. D-apelin 13 given intraperitoneally for 13 days in colon adenocarcinoma C26-bearing mice does not reduce catabolic pathways in muscles, as it does in vitro. Puzzlingly, the levels of circulating apelin seemingly deriving from cachexia-inducing tumors, increase in murine plasma during cachexia. Muscle electroporation of a plasmid expressing its receptor APJ, unlike apelin, preserves myofiber area from C26-induced atrophy, supporting apelin resistance in vivo. Altogether, we believe that during cachexia apelin resistance occurs, contributing to muscle wasting and nullifying any possible peptide-based treatment.
    Keywords:  apelin; cancer cachexia; hyperapelinemia; muscle wasting
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14071814
  15. Biol Pharm Bull. 2022 Apr 08.
    Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced myotube atrophy.
    Chinami Matsumoto, Hitomi Sekine, Miwa Nahata, Sachiko Mogami, Katsuya Ohbuchi, Naoki Fujitsuka, Hiroshi Takeda.
      Muscle atrophy is commonly observed during cisplatin chemotherapy, leading to a reduced quality of life in cancer patients. Reduced skeletal muscle mass caused by cisplatin treatment results from the activation of ubiquitin ligases-Atrogin-1 and MuRF1, but the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ATP production, in cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy. Skeletal C2C12 myotubes were treated with cisplatin, and gene and protein expression were evaluated. Mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and ROS levels were measured using fluorescent dyes. Mitochondrial respiratory function, ATP production rates, and glycolytic capacity were also analyzed using an extracellular flux analyzer. Metabolomic analyses were performed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Cisplatin treatment reduced myosin heavy chain expression by activating the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Increased ROS production was observed after cisplatin treatment, followed by significant changes in apoptosis-related gene expression and decrease in mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, respiration, and ATP production. Glycolytic capacity and TCA cycle metabolite levels were reduced with cisplatin treatment. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone mesylate prevented up-regulation of Atrogin-1 gene expression and restored myosin heavy chain levels, accompanied by a decrease in ROS generation, but not mitochondrial ATP production. We concluded that cisplatin-induced myotube atrophy was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Reducing ROS generation, rather than promoting ATP production, could be a useful therapeutic strategy for preventing cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy.
    Keywords:  Atrophy; C2C12; Cisplatin; Mitochondrial impairment; Mitoquinone mesylate
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b22-00171
  16. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 31. pii: 3878. [Epub ahead of print]23(7):
    TNF-α Induced Myotube Atrophy in C2C12 Cell Line Uncovers Putative Inflammatory-Related lncRNAs Mediating Muscle Wasting.
    Tomasz Powrózek, Dominika Pigoń-Zając, Marcin Mazurek, Michael Ochieng Otieno, Mansur Rahnama-Hezavah, Teresa Małecka-Massalska.
       BACKGROUND: Muscle atrophy is a complex catabolic condition developing under different inflammatory-related systemic diseases resulting in wasting of muscle tissue. While the knowledge of the molecular background of muscle atrophy has developed in recent years, how the atrophic conditions affect the long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) machinery and the exact participation of the latter in the mediation of muscle loss are still unknown. The purpose of the study was to assess how inflammatory condition developing under the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) treatment affects the lncRNAs' expression in a mouse skeletal muscle cell line.
    MATERIALS AND METHOD: A C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line was treated with TNF-α to develop atrophy, and inflammatory-related lncRNAs mediating muscle loss were identified. Bioinformatics was used to validate and analyze the discovered lncRNAs. The differences in their expression under different TNF-α concentrations and treatment times were investigated.
    RESULTS: Five lncRNAs were identified in a discovery set as atrophy related and then validated. Three lncRNAs, Gm4117, Ccdc41os1, and 5830418P13Rik, were selected as being significant for inflammatory-related myotube atrophy. Dynamics changes in the expression of lncRNAs depended on both TNF-α concentration and treatment time. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the mRNA and miRNA target for selected lncRNAs and their putative involvement in the molecular processes related to muscle atrophy.
    CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory condition developing in the myotube under the TNF-α treatment affects the alteration of lncRNAs' expression pattern. Experimental and bioinformatics testing suggested the prospective role of lncRNAs in the mediation of muscle loss under an inflammatory state.
    Keywords:  TNF-α; inflammation; lncRNA; muscle atrophy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073878
  17. Biomed Opt Express. 2022 Mar 01. 13(3): 1386-1397
    In vivo PS-OCT needle probe scan of human skeletal muscle.
    Jeffrey M McBride, Michael J Hackmann, Sophia Nimphius, Barry Cense.
      Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) derived birefringence values effectively identify skeletal muscle structural disruption due to muscular dystrophy and exercise-related muscle damage in animal models in ex vivo tissue. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a PS-OCT needle probe inserted into the leg of a human subject could accurately identify various anatomical structures with implications for use as a diagnostic tool for the determination of skeletal muscle pathology. A healthy middle-aged subject participated in this study. A custom-built PS-OCT system was interfaced with a side-viewing fiber-optic needle probe inserted into the subject's vastus lateralis muscle via a motorized stage for 3D data acquisition via rotation and stepwise pullback. The deepest recorded PS-OCT images correspond to a depth of 6 mm beneath the dermis with structural images showing uniform, striated muscle tissue. Multiple highly birefringent band-like structures with definite orientation representing connective tissue of the superficial aponeurosis appeared as the depth of the needle decreased. Superficial to these structures the dominating appearance was that of adipose tissue and low birefringent but homogeneous scattering tissue. The data indicate that a PS-OCT needle probe can be inserted into live human skeletal muscle for the identification of relevant anatomical structures that could be utilized to diagnose significant skeletal muscle pathology.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.446169
  18. Elife. 2022 Apr 13. pii: e76887. [Epub ahead of print]11
    Genetic variation of putative myokine signaling is dominated by biologic sex and sex hormones.
    Leandro M Velez, Cassandra Van, Timothy M Moore, Zhenqi Zhou, Casey Johnson, Andrea L Hevener, Marcus M Seldin.
      Skeletal muscle plays an integral role in coordinating physiologic homeostasis, where signaling to other tissues via myokines allows for coordination of complex processes. Here, we aimed to leverage natural genetic correlation structure of gene expression both within and across tissues to understand how muscle interacts with metabolic tissues. Specifically, we performed a survey of genetic correlations focused on myokine gene regulation, muscle cell composition, cross-tissue signaling and interactions with genetic sex in humans. While expression levels of a majority of myokines and cell proportions within skeletal muscle showed little relative differences between males and females, nearly all significant cross-tissue enrichments operated in a sex-specific or hormone-dependent fashion; in particular, with estradiol. These sex- and hormone-specific effects were consistent across key metabolic tissues: liver, pancreas, hypothalamus, intestine, heart, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. To characterize the role of estradiol receptor signaling on myokine expression, we generated male and female mice which lack estrogen receptor α specifically in skeletal muscle (MERKO) and integrated with human data. These analyses highlighted potential mechanisms of sex-dependent myokine signaling conserved between species, such as myostatin enriched for divergent substrate utilization pathways between sexes. Several other putative sex-dependent mechanisms of myokine signaling were uncovered, such as muscle-derived TNFA enriched for stronger inflammatory signaling in females compared to males and GPX3 as a male-specific link between glycolytic fiber abundance and hepatic inflammation. Collectively, we provide a population genetics framework for inferring muscle signaling to metabolic tissues in humans. We further highlight sex and estradiol receptor signaling as critical variables when assaying myokine functions and how changes in cell composition are predicted to impact other metabolic organs.
    Keywords:  biochemistry; chemical biology; computational biology; human; systems biology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.76887
  19. Exp Gerontol. 2022 Apr 08. pii: S0531-5565(22)00112-7. [Epub ahead of print] 111804
    Acute exposure to a clinical dose of metformin increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial H2O2 emission and production in healthy, older adults: A randomized controlled trial.
    Alec I McKenzie, Ziad S Mahmassani, Jonathan J Petrocelli, Naomi M M P de Hart, Dennis K Fix, Patrick J Ferrara, Paul C LaStayo, Robin L Marcus, Matthew T Rondina, Scott A Summers, Jordan M Johnson, Joel D Trinity, Katsuhiko Funai, Micah J Drummond.
       BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that metformin could have off target effects that might help promote healthy muscle aging, but these effects have not been thoroughly studied in glucose tolerant older individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of metformin consumption on skeletal muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics in healthy older adults.
    METHODS: We obtained muscle biopsy samples from 16 healthy older adults previously naïve to metformin and treated with metformin (METF; 3F, 5M), or placebo (CON; 3F, 5M), for two weeks using a randomized and blinded study design. Samples were analyzed using high-resolution respirometry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting to assess muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics, satellite cell (SC) content, and associated protein markers.
    RESULTS: We found that metformin treatment did not alter maximal mitochondrial respiration rates in muscle compared to CON. In contrast, mitochondrial H2O2 emission and production were elevated in muscle samples from METF versus CON (METF emission: 2.59 ± 0.72 SE Fold, P = 0.04; METF production: 2.29 ± 0.53 SE Fold, P = 0.02). Furthermore, the change in H2O2 emission was positively correlated with the change in type 1 myofiber SC content and this was biased in METF participants (Pooled: R2 = 0.5816, P = 0.0006; METF: R2 = 0.674, P = 0.0125).
    CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that acute exposure to metformin does not impact mitochondrial respiration in aged, glucose-tolerant muscle, but rather, influences mitochondrial-free radical and SC dynamics.
    CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03107884, clinicaltrials.gov.
    Keywords:  Aging; Complex I respiration; Free radicals; Insulin sensitizers; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Muscle stem cells
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2022.111804
  20. Redox Biol. 2022 Mar 31. pii: S2213-2317(22)00079-9. [Epub ahead of print]52 102307
    Nitrate consumption preserves HFD-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial ADP sensitivity and lysine acetylation: A potential role for SIRT1.
    Henver S Brunetta, Heather L Petrick, Iman Momken, Rachel M Handy, Christopher Pignanelli, Everson A Nunes, Jérôme Piquereau, Mathias Mericskay, Graham P Holloway.
      Dietary nitrate supplementation, and the subsequent serial reduction to nitric oxide, has been shown to improve glucose homeostasis in several pre-clinical models of obesity and insulin resistance. While the mechanisms remain poorly defined, the beneficial effects of nitrate appear to be partially dependent on AMPK-mediated signaling events, a central regulator of metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Since AMPK can activate SIRT1, we aimed to determine if nitrate supplementation (4 mM sodium nitrate via drinking water) improved skeletal muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics and acetylation status in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD: 60% fat). Consumption of HFD induced whole-body glucose intolerance, and within muscle attenuated insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, mitochondrial ADP sensitivity (higher apparent Km), submaximal ADP-supported respiration, mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (mtH2O2) production in the presence of ADP and increased cellular protein carbonylation alongside mitochondrial-specific acetylation. Consumption of nitrate partially preserved glucose tolerance and, within skeletal muscle, normalized insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, mitochondrial ADP sensitivity, mtH2O2, protein carbonylation and global mitochondrial acetylation status. Nitrate also prevented the HFD-mediated reduction in SIRT1 protein, and interestingly, the positive effects of nitrate ingestion on glucose homeostasis and mitochondrial acetylation levels were abolished in SIRT1 inducible knock-out mice, suggesting SIRT1 is required for the beneficial effects of dietary nitrate. Altogether, dietary nitrate preserves mitochondrial ADP sensitivity and global lysine acetylation in HFD-fed mice, while in the absence of SIRT1, the effects of nitrate on glucose tolerance and mitochondrial acetylation were abrogated.
    Keywords:  Insulin resistance; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Nitrate; Obesity; SIRT1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2022.102307
  21. Cells. 2022 Mar 26. pii: 1123. [Epub ahead of print]11(7):
    Serine Palmitoyltransferase Gene Silencing Prevents Ceramide Accumulation and Insulin Resistance in Muscles in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.
    Monika Imierska, Piotr Zabielski, Kamila Roszczyc-Owsiejczuk, Emilia Sokołowska, Karolina Pogodzińska, Iwona Kojta, Agnieszka Błachnio-Zabielska.
      Skeletal muscles account for ~80% of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and play a key role in lipid metabolism. Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) contributes to metabolic changes in muscles, including the development of insulin resistance. The studies carried out to date indicate that the accumulation of biologically active lipids, such as long-chain acyl-CoA, diacylglycerols and ceramides, play an important role in the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscles. Unfortunately, it has not yet been clarified which of these lipid groups plays the dominant role in inducing these disorders. In order to explore this topic further, we locally silenced the gene encoding serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) in the gastrocnemius muscle of animals with HFD-induced insulin resistance. This enzyme is primarily responsible for the first step of de novo ceramide biosynthesis. The obtained results confirm that the HFD induces the development of whole-body insulin resistance, which results in inhibition of the insulin pathway. This is associated with an increased level of biologically active lipids in the muscles. Our results also demonstrate that silencing the SPT gene with the shRNA plasmid reduces the accumulation of ceramides in gastrocnemius muscle, which, in turn, boosts the activity of the insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of ceramide synthesis does not significantly affect the content of other lipids, which suggests the leading role of ceramide in the lipid-related induction of skeletal muscle insulin resistance.
    Keywords:  ceramide; electroporation; gene silencing; insulin resistance; skeletal muscle lipid metabolism
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11071123
  22. Nitric Oxide. 2022 Apr 08. pii: S1089-8603(22)00039-8. [Epub ahead of print]122-123 54-61
    Nitric oxide and skeletal muscle contractile function.
    Ravi Kumar, Andrew R Coggan, Leonardo F Ferreira.
      Nitric oxide (NO) is complex modulator of skeletal muscle contractile function, capable of increasing or decreasing force and power output depending on multiple factors. This review explores the effects and potential mechanisms for modulation of skeletal muscle contractile function by NO, from pharmacological agents in isolated muscle preparations to dietary nitrate supplementation in humans and animals. Pharmacological manipulation in vitro suggests that NO signaling diminishes submaximal isometric force, whereas dietary manipulation in vivo suggest that NO enhances submaximal force. The bases for these different responses are unknown but could reflect dose-dependent effects. Maximal isometric force is unaffected by physiologically relevant levels of NO, which do not induce overt protein oxidation. Pharmacological and dietary manipulation of NO signaling enhances the maximal rate of isometric force development, unloaded shortening velocity, and peak power. We hypothesize that these effects are mediated by post-translational modifications of myofibrillar proteins that modulate thick filament regulation of contraction (e.g., mechanosensing and strain-dependence of cross-bridge kinetics). NO effects on contractile function appear to have some level of fiber type and sex-specificity. The mechanisms behind NO-mediated changes in skeletal muscle function need to be explored through proteomics analysis and advanced biophysical assays to advance the development of small molecules and open intriguing therapeutic and ergogenic possibilities for aging, disease, and athletic performance.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.niox.2022.04.001
  23. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 26. pii: 3641. [Epub ahead of print]23(7):
    Role of Glucocorticoid Signaling and HDAC4 Activation in Diaphragm and Gastrocnemius Proteolytic Activity in Septic Rats.
    Álvaro Moreno-Rupérez, Teresa Priego, María Ángeles González-Nicolás, Asunción López-Calderón, Alberto Lázaro, Ana Isabel Martín.
      Sepsis increases glucocorticoid and decreases IGF-1, leading to skeletal muscle wasting and cachexia. Muscle atrophy mainly takes place in locomotor muscles rather than in respiratory ones. Our study aimed to elucidate the mechanism responsible for this difference in muscle proteolysis, focusing on local inflammation and IGF-1 as well as on their glucocorticoid response and HDAC4-myogenin activation. Sepsis was induced in adult male rats by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection (10 mg/kg), and 24 h afterwards, rats were euthanized. LPS increased TNFα and IL-10 expression in both muscles studied, the diaphragm and gastrocnemius, whereas IL-6 and SOCS3 mRNA increased only in diaphragm. In comparison with gastrocnemius, diaphragm showed a lower increase in proteolytic marker expression (atrogin-1 and LC3b) and in LC3b protein lipidation after LPS administration. LPS increased the expression of glucocorticoid induced factors, KLF15 and REDD1, and decreased that of IGF-1 in gastrocnemius but not in the diaphragm. In addition, an increase in HDAC4 and myogenin expression was induced by LPS in gastrocnemius, but not in the diaphragm. In conclusion, the lower activation of both glucocorticoid signaling and HDAC4-myogenin pathways by sepsis can be one of the causes of lower sepsis-induced proteolysis in the diaphragm compared to gastrocnemius.
    Keywords:  HDAC4-myogenin; IGF-1; IGFBP3; atrogens; autophagy; glucocorticoids signaling; inflammation; muscle wasting; sepsis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073641
  24. Nat Cell Biol. 2022 Apr 11.
    Unchecked oxidative stress in skeletal muscle prevents outgrowth of disseminated tumour cells.
    Sarah B Crist, Travis Nemkov, Ruth F Dumpit, Jinxiang Dai, Stephen J Tapscott, Lawrence D True, Alexander Swarbrick, Lucas B Sullivan, Peter S Nelson, Kirk C Hansen, Cyrus M Ghajar.
      Skeletal muscle has long been recognized as an inhospitable site for disseminated tumour cells (DTCs). Yet its antimetastatic nature has eluded a thorough mechanistic examination. Here, we show that DTCs traffic to and persist within skeletal muscle in mice and in humans, which raises the question of how this tissue suppresses colonization. Results from mouse and organotypic culture models along with metabolomic profiling suggested that skeletal muscle imposes a sustained oxidative stress on DTCs that impairs their proliferation. Functional studies demonstrated that disrupting reduction-oxidation homeostasis via chemogenetic induction of reactive oxygen species slowed proliferation in a more fertile organ: the lung. Conversely, enhancement of the antioxidant potential of tumour cells through ectopic expression of catalase in the tumour or host mitochondria allowed robust colonization of skeletal muscle. These findings reveal a profound metabolic bottleneck imposed on DTCs and sustained by skeletal muscle. A thorough understanding of this biology could reveal previously undocumented DTC vulnerabilities that can be exploited to prevent metastasis in other more susceptible tissues.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-022-00881-4
  25. Nat Commun. 2022 Apr 14. 13(1): 1847
    CDP-ribitol prodrug treatment ameliorates ISPD-deficient muscular dystrophy mouse model.
    Hideki Tokuoka, Rieko Imae, Hitomi Nakashima, Hiroshi Manya, Chiaki Masuda, Shunsuke Hoshino, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Dirk J Lefeber, Riki Matsumoto, Takashi Okada, Tamao Endo, Motoi Kanagawa, Tatsushi Toda.
      Ribitol-phosphate modification is crucial for the functional maturation of α-dystroglycan. Its dysfunction is associated with muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, and central nervous system abnormalities; however, no effective treatments are currently available for diseases caused by ribitol-phosphate defects. In this study, we demonstrate that prodrug treatments can ameliorate muscular dystrophy caused by defects in isoprenoid synthase domain containing (ISPD), which encodes an enzyme that synthesizes CDP-ribitol, a donor substrate for ribitol-phosphate modification. We generated skeletal muscle-selective Ispd conditional knockout mice, leading to a pathogenic reduction in CDP-ribitol levels, abnormal glycosylation of α-dystroglycan, and severe muscular dystrophy. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene replacement experiments suggested that the recovery of CDP-ribitol levels rescues the ISPD-deficient pathology. As a prodrug treatment strategy, we developed a series of membrane-permeable CDP-ribitol derivatives, among which tetraacetylated CDP-ribitol ameliorated the dystrophic pathology. In addition, the prodrug successfully rescued abnormal α-dystroglycan glycosylation in patient fibroblasts. Consequently, our findings provide proof-of-concept for supplementation therapy with CDP-ribitol and could accelerate the development of therapeutic agents for muscular dystrophy and other diseases caused by glycosylation defects.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29473-4
  26. Cells. 2022 Mar 29. pii: 1150. [Epub ahead of print]11(7):
    Adaptive Remodeling of the Neuromuscular Junction with Aging.
    Michael R Deschenes, Rachel Flannery, Alexis Hawbaker, Leah Patek, Mia Mifsud.
      Aging is associated with gradual degeneration, in mass and function, of the neuromuscular system. This process, referred to as "sarcopenia", is considered a disease by itself, and it has been linked to a number of other serious maladies such as type II diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even dementia. While the molecular causes of sarcopenia remain to be fully elucidated, recent findings have implicated the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as being an important locus in the development and progression of that malady. This synapse, which connects motor neurons to the muscle fibers that they innervate, has been found to degenerate with age, contributing both to senescent-related declines in muscle mass and function. The NMJ also shows plasticity in response to a number of neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Here, the structural and functional degradation of the NMJ associated with aging and disease is described, along with the measures that might be taken to effectively mitigate, if not fully prevent, that degeneration.
    Keywords:  NMJ; acetylcholine (ACh); endplate; nerve terminal; sarcopenia; vesicle
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11071150
  27. Cell Biochem Funct. 2022 Apr 12.
    Genetic deletion of IL-6 increases CK-MB, a classic cardiac damage marker, and decreases UPRmt genes after exhaustive exercise.
    Rafael L Rovina, Ana P Pinto, Vitor R Muñoz, Alisson L da Rocha, Macario A Rebelo, Giovana R Teixeira, Maria Eduarda A Tavares, José R Pauli, Leandro P de Moura, Dennys E Cintra, Eduardo R Ropelle, Adelino S R da Silva.
      The intensity, duration, type of contraction, and muscle damage influence interleukin-6 (IL-6) response to acute exercise. However, in response to an exhaustive exercise session, the upregulation of IL-6 in the serum and heart is associated with an inflammatory condition and can inhibit autophagy. This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-6 in autophagy pathway responses and mitochondrial function in the heart of mice submitted to acute exhaustive physical exercise. The mice were allocated into three groups, five animals per group, for the wild type (WT) and the IL-6 knockout (IL-6 KO): Basal (sedentary; Basal), 1 h (after 1 h of the acute exercise; 1 h), and 3 h (after 3 h of the acute exercise; 3 h). After the specific time for each group, the blood was collected, each mouse heart was removed, and the left ventricle (LV) was isolated. In summary, under basal conditions, without the influence of the acute exercise, the IL-6 KO group showed lower number of nuclei in the cardiac tissue, but higher collagen deposition; lower messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Prkaa1 and Mtco1, but higher mRNA levels of Ulk1; and higher protein levels of the ratio p-AMPK/AMPK in the heart when compared to WT at the same time point. After the acute exercise (1 and 3 h), the IL-6 KO group had lower mRNA levels of Tfam, Mtnd1, Mtco1, and Nampt in the heart when compared to WT after exercise; higher serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase for the IL-6 group when compared to the WT group after the exercise. Specifically, the heat-shock protein 60 protein levels in the heart increased 3 h after exhaustive exercise in the WT group, but not in the IL-6 KO group. The study emphasizes that IL-6 may offer cardioprotective effects, including mitochondrial adaptations in response to acute exhaustive exercise.
    Keywords:  autophagy; cardiac tissue; exercise; interleukin-6; mitochondria
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/cbf.3701
  28. J Physiol. 2022 Apr 13.
    What is behind the curtain? Revealing muscle metaboreceptor sensitization.
    Felipe Silva Gomes, Thiago Ribeiro Lopes.
      
    Keywords:  TRPV1; insulin; metaboreceptor; muscle afferents; sensitization
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1113/JP282956
  29. Natl Sci Rev. 2022 Apr;9(4): nwab184
    Detecting subtle yet fast skeletal muscle contractions with ultrasoft and durable graphene-based cellular materials.
    Zijun He, Zheng Qi, Huichao Liu, Kangyan Wang, Leslie Roberts, Jefferson Z Liu, Yilun Liu, Stephen J Wang, Mark J Cook, George P Simon, Ling Qiu, Dan Li.
      Human bodily movements are primarily controlled by the contractions of skeletal muscles. Unlike joint or skeletal movements that are generally performed in the large displacement range, the contractions of the skeletal muscles that underpin these movements are subtle in intensity yet high in frequency. This subtlety of movement makes it a formidable challenge to develop wearable and durable soft materials to electrically monitor such motions with high fidelity for the purpose of, for example, muscle/neuromuscular disease diagnosis. Here we report that an intrinsically fragile ultralow-density graphene-based cellular monolith sandwiched between silicone rubbers can exhibit a highly effective stress and strain transfer mechanism at its interface with the rubber, with a remarkable improvement in stretchability (>100%). In particular, this hybrid also exhibits a highly sensitive, broadband-frequency electrical response (up to 180 Hz) for a wide range of strains. By correlating the mechanical signal of muscle movements obtained from this hybrid material with electromyography, we demonstrate that the strain sensor based on this hybrid material may provide a new, soft and wearable mechanomyography approach for real-time monitoring of complex neuromuscular-skeletal interactions in a broad range of healthcare and human-machine interface applications. This work also provides a new architecture-enabled functional soft material platform for wearable electronics.
    Keywords:  cellular graphene; high-frequency electromechanical property; skeletal muscle activity; strain sensors; surface mechanomyography
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwab184
  30. Mol Biol Rep. 2022 Apr 15.
    The role of protein glycosylation in muscle diseases.
    Kai Dang, Shanfeng Jiang, Yuan Gao, Airong Qian.
       INTRODUCTION: As a post-translational modification, glycosylation plays vital role in regulating the folding and function of proteins necessary for many biological processes. Unlike glycation, glycosylation is an enzymatic process; glycosyltransferases transfer sugars to proteins, forming glycosidic bonds with amino acid residues on proteins. Changes that interfere with the enzymatic reaction and result in abnormal glycosylation can spatio-temporally affect the balance of glycosylation, leading to disease states. Muscle diseases have been associated with dysfunctional protein glycosylation, and many studies have focused on the pathophysiology underlying this association. This review aims to summarize the research progress on protein glycosylation in the pathogenesis of muscle diseases and provides new insight into the muscle research field.
    METHODS: Literatures were reviewed comparatively and data were organized to find information about protein glycosylation and its role in muscle disease.
    RESULTS: Protein glycosylation modification is closely related to the occurrence of muscle diseases. α-DG is a key protein in the study of inherited muscle diseases and has a wide range of glycosylation, including O-linked glycosylation and N-linked glycosylation. Besides, O-GlcNAc glycosylation is an important mechanism of protein glycosylation, helping maintaining the structure and function of skeletal muscle and participating in multiple biological processes. Protein glycosylation is also connected to muscle disease and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease.
    CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, better understanding of protein glycosylation and its implication in muscle disease would help provide new perspectives in the prevention and treatment measures for human muscle diseases.
    Keywords:  Glycosylation; Muscle disease; O-GlcNAc; Pathogenesis; α-dystroglycan
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-07334-z
  31. Trends Biochem Sci. 2022 Apr 06. pii: S0968-0004(22)00067-6. [Epub ahead of print]
    Mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication in aging: an epigenetic perspective.
    Di Zhu, Xinyu Li, Ye Tian.
      Age-associated changes in mitochondria are closely involved in aging. Apart from the established roles in bioenergetics and biosynthesis, mitochondria are signaling organelles that communicate their fitness to the nucleus, triggering transcriptional programs to adapt homeostasis stress that is essential for organismal health and aging. Emerging studies revealed that mitochondrial-to-nuclear (mito-nuclear) communication via altered levels of mitochondrial metabolites or stress signals causes various epigenetic changes, facilitating efforts to maintain homeostasis and affect aging. Here, we summarize recent studies on the mechanisms by which mito-nuclear communication modulates epigenomes and their effects on regulating the aging process. Insights into understanding how mitochondrial metabolites serve as prolongevity signals and how aging affects this communication will help us develop interventions to promote longevity and health.
    Keywords:  UPR(mt); aging; epigenetic regulation; longevity; mitochondrial metabolites; mitochondrial–nuclear communication
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibs.2022.03.008
  32. J Exp Biol. 2022 Apr 12. pii: jeb.243285. [Epub ahead of print]
    Effect of stimulation frequency on force, power, and fatigue of isolated mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle.
    Sharn Shelley, Rob S James, Steven J Eustace, Emma Eyre, Jason Tallis.
      This study examined the effect of stimulation frequency (140, 200, 230 and 260 Hz) on isometric force, work loop (WL) power, and the fatigue resistance of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle (n=32), isolated from 8-10-week-old CD-1 female mice. Stimulation frequency had significant effects on isometric properties of isolated mouse EDL, whereby increasing stimulation frequency evoked increased isometric force, quicker activation, and prolonged relaxation (P <0.047), until 230 Hz and above, thereafter force and activation did not differ (P >0.137). Increasing stimulation frequency increased maximal WL power output (P <0.001; 140 Hz, 71.3±3.5; 200 Hz, 105.4±4.1; 230 Hz, 115.5±4.1; 260 Hz, 121.1±4.1 W.kg-1), but resulted in significantly quicker rates of fatigue during consecutive WL's (P <0.004). WL shapes indicate impaired muscle relaxation at the end of shortening and subsequent increased negative work appeared to contribute to fatigue at 230 and 260 Hz, but not at lower stimulation frequencies. Cumulative work was unaffected by stimulation frequency, except at the start of fatigue protocol where 230 and 260 Hz produced more work than 140 Hz (P <0.039). We demonstrate that stimulation frequency affects force, power, and fatigue, but effects are not uniform between different assessments of contractile performance. Therefore, future work examining contractile properties of isolated skeletal muscle should consider increasing stimulation frequency beyond that needed for maximal force when examining maximal power but utilise a sub-maximal stimulation frequency for fatigue assessments to avoid high degree of negative work atypical of in vivo function.
    Keywords:  Muscle Function; Skeletal Muscle; Work loop
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.243285
  33. Front Genet. 2022 ;13 865811
    Expanded CUG Repeat RNA Induces Premature Senescence in Myotonic Dystrophy Model Cells.
    Yuhei Hasuike, Hideki Mochizuki, Masayuki Nakamori.
      Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominantly inherited disorder due to a toxic gain of function of RNA transcripts containing expanded CUG repeats (CUGexp). Patients with DM1 present with multisystemic symptoms, such as muscle wasting, cognitive impairment, cataract, frontal baldness, and endocrine defects, which resemble accelerated aging. Although the involvement of cellular senescence, a critical component of aging, was suggested in studies of DM1 patient-derived cells, the detailed mechanism of cellular senescence caused by CUGexp RNA remains unelucidated. Here, we developed a DM1 cell model that conditionally expressed CUGexp RNA in human primary cells so that we could perform a detailed assessment that eliminated the variability in primary cells from different origins. Our DM1 model cells demonstrated that CUGexp RNA expression induced cellular senescence by a telomere-independent mechanism. Furthermore, the toxic RNA expression caused mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive reactive oxygen species production, and DNA damage and response, resulting in the senescence-associated increase of cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p16 and secreted mediators insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). This study provides unequivocal evidence of the induction of premature senescence by CUGexp RNA in our DM1 model cells.
    Keywords:  IGFBP3; PAI-1; cellular senescence; myotonic dystrophy; reactive oxygen species; repeat expansion
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.865811
  34. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2022 Apr 13.
    The regulating pathway of creatine on muscular protein metabolism depends on the energy state.
    Mingfa Sun, Hongchao Jiao, Xiaojuan Wang, Haifang Li, Yunlei Zhou, Jingpeng Zhao, Hai Lin.
      Creatine (Cr) is beneficial for increasing muscle mass and preventing muscle atrophy via involving in energy metabolism through the Cr and phosphocreatine (PCr) system. This study aimed to evaluate the supplemental effect of Cr on protein metabolism under normal and starvation conditions. The primary myoblasts were obtained from the breast muscle of chicks. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/P70S6 kinase (P70S6K), ubiquitin proteasome (UP) pathways, and mitochondrial function of myotubes were evaluated at normal or starvation state and with or without glucose supplementation. Under normal condition, Cr supplementation enhanced protein synthesis rate as well as upregulated the total and phosphorylated P70S6K expressions. Cr had little influence on protein catabolism, and mitochondrial function. In a starvation state, however, Cr alleviated myotube atrophy and enhanced protein accretion by inhibiting Atrogin1 and myostatin (MSTN) expression. Furthermore, Cr treatment upregulated the transcriptional coactivators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation under starvation condition. In the presence of glucose, however, the favorable effect of Cr on protein content and myotube diameter did not occur under starvation condition. The present result indicates that at normal state, Cr stimulated protein synthesis via the mTOR/P70S6K pathway. In a starvation state, Cr mainly take a favorable effect on protein accumulation via suppression of UP pathway and mediated mitochondrial function mainly by serving as an energy supplier. The result highlights the potential clinical application for the modulation of muscle mass under different nutritional conditions.
    Keywords:  creatine; glucose; mitochondrial quality; myotubes; protein metabolism
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00447.2021
  35. Histochem Cell Biol. 2022 Apr 15.
    Nestin and osteocrin mRNA increases in human semitendinosus myotendinous junction 7 days after a single bout of eccentric exercise.
    Jens R Jakobsen, Peter Schjerling, Michael Kjær, Abigail L Mackey, Michael R Krogsgaard.
      The myotendinous junction (MTJ), a specialized interface for force transmission between muscle and tendon, has a unique transcriptional activity and is highly susceptible to muscle strain injury. Eccentric exercise training is known to reduce this risk of injury, but knowledge of the influence of exercise on the MTJ at the molecular and cellular levels is limited. In this study, 30 subjects were randomized to a single bout of eccentric exercise 1 week prior to tissue sampling (exercised) or no exercise (control). Samples were collected from the semitendinosus as part of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and divided into fractions containing muscle, MTJ and tendon, respectively. The concentrations of macrophages and satellite cells were counted, and the expression of genes previously known to be active at the MTJ were analyzed by real-time-quantitative PCR. An effect of the single bout of exercise was found on the expression of nestin (NES) and osteocrin (OSTN) mRNA in the MTJ and tendon fractions. Genes earlier identified at the MTJ (COL22A1, POSTN, ADAMTS8, MNS1, NCAM1) were confirmed to be expressed at a significantly higher level in the MTJ compared to muscle and tendon but were unaffected by exercise. In the exercise group a higher concentration of macrophages, but not of satellite cells, was seen in muscle close to the MTJ. The expression of NES and OSTN was higher in human semitendinosus MTJ 1 week after a single session of heavy eccentric exercise. Based on these results, NES and OSTN could have a part in explaining how the MTJ adapts to eccentric exercise.
    Keywords:  Eccentric exercise; Myotendinous junction; Nordic hamstring; Skeletal muscle; mRNA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-022-02101-4
  36. Syst Rev. 2022 Apr 13. 11(1): 64
    The effect of animal versus plant protein on muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance and sarcopenia in adults: protocol for a systematic review.
    Rachel J Reid-McCann, Sarah F Brennan, Michelle C McKinley, Claire T McEvoy.
       BACKGROUND: The evidence base for the role of dietary protein in maintaining good muscle health in older age is strong; however, the importance of protein source remains unclear. Plant proteins are generally of lower quality, with a less favourable amino acid profile and reduced bioavailability; therefore, it is possible that their therapeutic effects may be less than that of higher quality animal proteins. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of plant and animal protein interventions on muscle health outcomes.
    METHODS: A robust search strategy was developed to include terms relating to dietary protein with a focus on protein source, for example dairy, meat and soy. These were linked to terms related to muscle health outcomes, for example mass, strength, performance and sarcopenia. Five databases will be searched: MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Web of Science. Studies included will be randomised controlled trials with an adult population (≥ 18) living in the community or residential homes for older adults, and only English language articles will be included. Two independent reviewers will assess eligibility of individual studies. The internal validity of included studies will be assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Results will be synthesised in narrative format. Where applicable, standardised mean differences (SMD) (95% confidence interval [CI]) will be combined using a random-effects meta-analysis, and tests of homogeneity of variance will be calculated.
    DISCUSSION: Dietary guidelines recommend a change towards a plant-based diet that is more sustainable for health and for the environment; however, reduction of animal-based foods may impact protein quality in the diet. High-quality protein is important for maintenance of muscle health in older age; therefore, there is a need to understand whether replacement of animal protein with plant protein will make a significant difference in terms of muscle health outcomes. Findings from this review will be informative for sustainable nutritional guidelines, particularly for older adults and for those following vegan or vegetarian diets.
    SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD420201886582.
    Keywords:  Animal protein; Muscle mass; Muscle strength; Physical performance; Plant protein; Sarcopenia; Systematic review
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-01951-2
  37. Hum Mol Genet. 2022 Apr 14. pii: ddac068. [Epub ahead of print]
    A combinatorial approach increases SMN level in SMA model mice.
    Samantha A Dumas, Eric Villalón, Elizabeth M Bergman, Kenneth J Wilson, Juan J Marugan, Christian L Lorson, Barrington G Burnett.
      Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced expression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Current disease-modifying therapies increase SMN levels and dramatically improve survival and motor function of SMA patients. Nevertheless, current treatments are not cures and autopsy data suggest that SMN induction is variable. Our group and others have shown that combinatorial approaches that target different modalities can improve outcomes in rodent models of SMA. Here we explore if slowing SMN protein degradation and correcting SMN splicing defects could synergistically increase SMN production and improve the SMA phenotype in model mice. We show that co-administering ML372, which inhibits SMN ubiquitination, with an SMN modifying antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) increases SMN production in SMA cells and model mice. In addition, we observed improved spinal cord, neuromuscular junction, and muscle pathology when ML372 and the ASO were administered in combination. Importantly, the combinatorial approach resulted in increased motor function and extended survival of SMA mice. Our results demonstrate that a combination of treatment modalities synergistically increases SMN levels and improves pathophysiology of SMA model mice over individual treatment.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddac068
  38. Sci Rep. 2022 Apr 14. 12(1): 6232
    Characterisation of the transient mechanical response and the electromyographical activation of lower leg muscles in whole body vibration training.
    Isotta Rigoni, Tecla Bonci, Paolo Bifulco, Antonio Fratini.
      The aim of this study is to characterise the transient mechanical response and the neuromuscular activation of lower limb muscles in subjects undergoing Whole Body Vibration (WBV) at different frequencies while holding two static postures, with focus on muscles involved in shaping postural responses. Twenty-five participants underwent WBV at 15, 20, 25 and 30 Hz while in hack squat or on fore feet. Surface electromyography and soft tissue accelerations were collected from Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL), Soleus (SOL) and Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscles. Estimated displacement at muscle bellies revealed a pattern never highlighted before that differed across frequencies and postures (p < 0.001). After stimulation starts, muscle oscillation peaks, drops and further stabilises, suggesting the occurrence of a neuromuscular activation to reduce the vibration-induced oscillation. The oscillation attenuation at the SOL muscle correlated with its increased activation (rho = 0.29, p < 0.001). Furthermore, only specific WBV settings led to a significant increase in muscle contraction: WBV-induced activation of SOL and GL was maximal in fore-feet (p < 0.05) and in response to higher frequencies (30 Hz vs 15 Hz, p < 0.001). The analysis of the mechanical dynamics of lower leg muscles highlights a resonant response to WBVs, that for the SOL correlates to the increased muscle activation. Despite differing across frequencies and postures, this resonant behaviour seems to discourage the use of dynamic exercises on vibrating platforms. As for the most efficient WBV combination, calf muscle response to WBVs is maximised if those muscles are already pre-contracted and the stimulation frequencies are in the 25-30 Hz range.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-10137-8
  39. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Apr 11.
    CTRP14 inactivation alters physical activity and food intake response to fasting and refeeding.
    Dylan C Sarver, Cheng Xu, Susan Aja, G William Wong.
      Secreted proteins of the C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP) family play diverse functions in different organ systems. In the brain, CTRP14/C1QL1 is required for the proper establishment and maintenance of synapses between climbing fibers and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Beyond the central nervous system, the function of CTRP14 is largely unknown. A recent genome-wide association study has implicated CTRP14/C1QL1 as a candidate gene associated with total body fat mass. Here, we explored the potential metabolic roles of CTRP14. We show that Ctrp14 expression in peripheral tissues is dynamically regulated by fasting-refeeding and high-fat feeding. In the chow-fed basal state, Ctrp14 deletion modestly reduces glucose tolerance in knockout (KO) male mice and affects physical activity in a sex- and nutritional state-dependent manner. In the ad libitum fed state, Ctrp14 KO male mice have lower physical activity. In contrast, female KO mice have increased physical activity in the fasted and refed states. In response to an obesogenic diet, CTRP14-deficient mice of either sex gained similar weight and are indistinguishable from wild-type littermates in body composition, lipid profiles, and insulin sensitivity. Ambulatory activity, however, is reduced in Ctrp14 KO male mice. Food intake is also reduced in Ctrp14 KO male mice in the refed period following food deprivation. Meal pattern analyses indicate that decreased caloric intake from fasting to refeeding is due, in part, to smaller meal size. We conclude that CTRP14 is largely dispensable for metabolic homeostasis, but highlight context-dependent and sexually dimorphic metabolic responses of Ctrp14 deletion affecting physical activity and ingestive behaviors.
    Keywords:  Food intake; fasting; metabolism; refeeding; secreted hormone
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00002.2022
  40. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Apr 01. pii: 3916. [Epub ahead of print]23(7):
    Gestational Exercise Increases Male Offspring's Maximal Workload Capacity Early in Life.
    Jorge Beleza, Jelena Stevanović-Silva, Pedro Coxito, Hugo Rocha, Paulo Santos, António Ascensão, Joan Ramon Torrella, José Magalhães.
      Mothers' antenatal strategies to improve the intrauterine environment can positively decrease pregnancy-derived intercurrences. By challenging the mother-fetus unit, gestational exercise (GE) favorably modulates deleterious stimuli, such as high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet-induced adverse consequences for offspring. We aimed to analyze whether GE alters maternal HFHS-consumption effects on male offspring's maximal workload performance (MWP) and in some skeletal muscle (the soleus-SOL and the tibialis anterior-TA) biomarkers associated with mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative fitness. Infant male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental groups according to mothers' dietary and/or exercise conditions: offspring of sedentary control diet-fed or HFHS-fed mothers (C-S or HFHS-S, respectively) and of exercised HFHS-fed mothers (HFHS-E). Although maternal HFHS did not significantly alter MWP, offspring from GE dams exhibited increased MWP. Lower SOL AMPk levels in HFHS-S were reverted by GE. SOL PGC-1α, OXPHOS C-I and C-IV subunits remained unaltered by maternal diet, although increased in HFHS-E offspring. Additionally, GE prevented maternal diet-related SOL miR-378a overexpression, while upregulated miR-34a expression. Decreased TA C-IV subunit expression in HFHS-S was reverted in HFHS-E, concomitantly with the downregulation of miR-338. In conclusion, GE in HFHS-fed dams increases the offspring's MWP, which seems to be associated with the intrauterine modulation of SM mitochondrial density and functional markers.
    Keywords:  epigenetics; maternal exercise; mitochondria
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073916
  41. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2022 Apr 06. pii: S0003-9861(22)00097-2. [Epub ahead of print] 109212
    The optimized quantum dot mediated thermometry reveals isoform specific differences in efficiency of myosin extracted from muscle mini bundles.
    Meishan Li, Lucia Coppo, Bhanu P Jena, Lars Larsson.
      The biophysical function of myosin in vitro has been extensively investigated in different motility assays, but the study of myosin ATPase properties at the fiber level is insufficiently investigated. In this study, quantum dot (QD) mediated thermometry measurements were optimized to measure the efficiency of myosin extracted from muscle mini bundles. A reduction in fluorescent intensity of QD reflects an increase in temperature caused by the heat released during ATP hydrolysis and denotes the efficiency of the motor protein myosin. The procedure for extracting myosin was similar to the single fiber in vitro motility assay with some small modifications, and the concentration of myosin was represented by the extracted total protein since the ratio of extracted myosin to total protein was constant. Moreover, the efficiency of myosin extracted from preparations containing different myosin heavy chain isoforms reveal lower efficiency of slow compared to fast myosin isoforms. Specifically, more heat was released in slow myosin, resulting in faster decay of QD fluorescence intensity. Hence, the optimized QD-mediated thermometry provides a novel and sensitive approach to evaluate efficiency of myosin ATPase obtained from small muscle samples, representing a significant advantage in the clinical evaluation of neuromuscular disorders.
    Keywords:  ATPase; Efficiency; Myosin; Quantum dot; Skeletal muscle; Thermometry
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2022.109212
  42. Cell. 2022 Apr 14. pii: S0092-8674(22)00337-3. [Epub ahead of print]185(8): 1444-1444.e1
    SnapShot: Regulation and biology of PGC-1α.
    Paulo R Jannig, Phillip A Dumesic, Bruce M Spiegelman, Jorge L Ruas.
      The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (Ppargc1a) gene encodes several PGC-1α isoforms that regulate mitochondrial bioenergetics and cellular adaptive processes. Expressing specific PGC-1α isoforms in mice can confer protection in different disease models. This SnapShot summarizes how regulation of Ppargc1a transcription, splicing, translation, protein stability, and activity underlies its multifaceted functions. To view this SnapShot, open or download the PDF.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.03.027
  43. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 23. pii: 3501. [Epub ahead of print]23(7):
    Myokines and Resistance Training: A Narrative Review.
    Beate E M Zunner, Nadine B Wachsmuth, Max L Eckstein, Lukas Scherl, Janis R Schierbauer, Sandra Haupt, Christian Stumpf, Laura Reusch, Othmar Moser.
      In the last few years, the muscular system has gained attention due to the discovery of the muscle-secretome and its high potency for retaining or regaining health. These cytokines, described as myokines, released by the working muscle, are involved in anti-inflammatory, metabolic and immunological processes. These are able to influence human health in a positive way and are a target of research in metabolic diseases, cancer, neurological diseases, and other non-communicable diseases. Therefore, different types of exercise training were investigated in the last few years to find associations between exercise, myokines and their effects on human health. Particularly, resistance training turned out to be a powerful stimulus to enhance myokine release. As there are different types of resistance training, different myokines are stimulated, depending on the mode of training. This narrative review gives an overview about resistance training and how it can be utilized to stimulate myokine production in order to gain a certain health effect. Finally, the question of why resistance training is an important key regulator in human health will be discussed.
    Keywords:  BDNF; IL-6; Irisin; PGC-1 alpha; myokine; myostatin; resistance training
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073501
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