Myoblast differentiation is a process that is required for the regeneration of myofibres post injury. In old age this is impaired and contributes to the onset of sarcopenia, and the resulting loss of muscle mass and strength.

A research paper published last week in Skeletal Muscle explores the effects of IL-1α and TNF-α on myotube differentiation, and the signalling cascades through which they act. Despite the ongoing debate into whether pro-inflammatory cytokines have a positive or negative effect on muscle cell differentiation, the results from this article clearly demonstrate the anti-differentiation effects of IL-1α and TNF-α.

Trendelenburg et al. show that human myoblasts treated with IL-1α and TNF-α induce Activin A de novo synthesis via the TAK-1/p38/NFκB …

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It is well known that some forms of muscular dystrophies are caused by mutations in the genes coding for dystrophin and dysferlin – two proteins which both have important roles in the correct functioning of skeletal muscle.

The dystrophin protein is located in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle, and is an integral part of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). The DGC forms a link between the sarcolemma (the muscle cell membrane) and the cytoskeleton thereby ensuring cell membrane stability and preventing damage during lengthening contractions of the muscle. Dysferlin on the other hand is known to play a critical role in calcium dependent membrane repair. A defect in either protein’s role has a detrimental effect on the muscle.

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For years, research into muscle dystrophies has been limited due to the fact that the animal-derived dystrophic cellular models, which are required to carry out the research, have low proliferative capacities. In the latest research published in Skeletal Muscle, Mamchaoui et al. conclude that immortalised cell lines from patients with neuromuscular diseases have a higher proliferative capacity than the animal-derived cells, and would therefore be useful cellular tools in the investigation of neuromuscular disorders.

Read the full article published in Skeletal Muscle here.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are typically known for their role in development and energy metabolism. In a recent research paper published in Skeletal Muscle, the importance of the receptors in skeletal muscle metabolism and insulin sensitivity regulation is explored, with the results indicating a novel role for PPARs in satellite cells and postnatal muscle regeneration.

Read the full article published in Skeletal Muscle here.