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Transforming growth factor-beta and myostatin signaling in skeletal muscle

Helen D Kollias1, John C McDermott

  • 1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|November 23, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling profoundly impacts skeletal muscle development and function. Recent research clarifies how TGF-beta and myostatin pathways influence muscle growth, physiology, and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Molecular signaling
  • Muscle physiology

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily cytokines significantly influence cellular processes.
  • Skeletal muscle is highly sensitive to TGF-beta superfamily signaling.
  • Recent progress has elucidated TGF-beta and myostatin roles in muscle biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding TGF-beta and myostatin signaling pathways.
  • To focus on the implications of these pathways for skeletal muscle.
  • To cover skeletal muscle development, physiology, and pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in TGF-beta and myostatin signaling.
  • Analysis of studies investigating TGF-beta superfamily influence on skeletal muscle.
  • Synthesis of findings related to muscle ontogeny and postnatal physiology.

Main Results:

  • TGF-beta signaling pathways are crucial for regulating gene expression.
  • Myostatin, a related TGF-beta family member, plays a key role in muscle processes.
  • These pathways are critical throughout skeletal muscle development and maintenance.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding TGF-beta and myostatin signaling is vital for comprehending skeletal muscle biology.
  • Implications span muscle development, normal function, and disease states.
  • Further research into these pathways promises insights into muscle health and therapeutic strategies.

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