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Preparation and Culture of Myogenic Precursor Cells/Primary Myoblasts from Skeletal Muscle of Adult and Aged Humans
Published on: February 16, 2017
Premature aging in skeletal muscle lacking serum response factor
Charlotte Lahoute1, Athanassia Sotiropoulos, Marilyne Favier
1Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS (UMR 8104), Paris, France.
Plos One
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Serum Response Factor (SRF) loss in adult mice causes age-like muscle atrophy, fibrosis, and impaired regeneration. This suggests SRF decline contributes to natural muscle aging.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology and aging research.
- Molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle aging.
- Transcription factor regulation in muscle health.
Background:
- Aging leads to sarcopenia, characterized by muscle mass loss, increased fat, and fibrosis.
- Molecular changes in aging muscle are not fully understood.
- Serum Response Factor (SRF) is vital for muscle gene expression and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SRF in adult skeletal muscle.
- To determine if SRF is essential for myofiber maintenance.
- To understand SRF's contribution to age-related muscle decline.
Main Methods:
- Developed a tamoxifen-inducible, myofiber-specific SRF knockout mouse model.
- Assessed muscle phenotype, histology, and regeneration post-SRF loss.
- Examined SRF expression in aging mouse and human muscles.
Main Results:
- SRF loss did not cause immediate muscle phenotype but led to progressive atrophy of specific myofiber types (IIB).
- Mutant mice showed increased oxidative properties, lipid accumulation, sarcomere disorganization, and fibrosis.
- Regeneration after injury was impaired, with smaller fibers and persistent fibrosis.
- Age-associated decrease in SRF expression was observed in both mouse and human muscles.
Conclusions:
- Down-regulation of SRF precedes and contributes to the muscle aging process.
- Loss of SRF function accelerates age-related skeletal muscle abnormalities.
- SRF is a key factor in maintaining skeletal muscle health during aging.
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