MicroRNA in myogenesis and muscle atrophy

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Xiaonan H Wang1

  • 1Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. xwang03@emory.edu

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|March 2, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs regulate muscle growth and wasting. These molecules influence myogenesis and muscle regeneration, offering potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for muscle disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Muscle wasting is a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality in various conditions.
  • Muscle mass is regulated by complex signaling pathways, including those involving insulin-like growth factor and myostatin.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of microRNAs in myogenesis and muscle wasting.
  • To provide insights for future clinical investigations into muscle-related disorders.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing research on microRNA involvement in muscle biology.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways affected by specific microRNAs.

Main Results:

  • Specific microRNAs (e.g., miR-1, miR-133, miR-206, miR-125b) downregulate the IGF/PI3K/Akt pathway, impacting muscle mass.
  • Other microRNAs (e.g., miR-23a, miR-486) upregulate this pathway.
  • MicroRNAs like miR-27 influence myostatin signaling, affecting muscle cell proliferation and regeneration.
  • MicroRNAs play varied roles in different types of muscle atrophy.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs profoundly influence muscle growth, regeneration, and metabolism.
  • MicroRNAs hold significant potential as diagnostic/prognostic markers.
  • MicroRNAs may serve as valuable therapeutic agents or targets for muscle diseases.

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