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[Advances in the research of the relationship between calpains and post-burn skeletal muscle wasting]
1Burns Institute, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
Abstract:
Calpains are intracellular nonlysosomal Ca(2+-) regulated cysteine proteases, widely located in the tissues of most mammals. Skeletal muscle tissue mainly expresses m-calpain, µ-caplain, n-calpain, and their endogenous inhibitor calpastatin. They are closely related to the cell apoptosis, cytoskeleton formation, cell cycles, etc. Calpains are also considered to be participating in the protein degradation process. Severe burns are typically followed by hypermetabolic responses that are characterized by hyperdynamic circulatory responses with increased proteolysis and cell apoptosis. Recently, overloading of Ca(2+) in skeletal muscle cells, which activates the calpains is observed after a serious burn. This paper aims to review the current research of the relationship between calpains and post-burn skeletal muscle wasting from the perspectives of structure, function, and physiological activities.
Insights
Severe burns activate calpains, which are calcium-regulated proteases, leading to skeletal muscle wasting. This review explores the link between calpains and post-burn muscle degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Context:
- Calpains are calcium-dependent cysteine proteases crucial for cellular processes.
- Skeletal muscle expresses specific calpain isoforms (m-calpain, µ-calpain, n-calpain) and calpastatin.
- Severe burns induce hypermetabolism, increased proteolysis, and cell apoptosis in skeletal muscle.
Purpose:
- To review the current understanding of the relationship between calpains and post-burn skeletal muscle wasting.
- To examine the role of calpains from structural, functional, and physiological activity perspectives.
- To highlight the activation of calpains by calcium overload in skeletal muscle post-burn.
Summary:
- Calpains, activated by calcium influx after severe burns, contribute to skeletal muscle protein degradation.
- The review synthesizes research on calpain structure, function, and physiological roles in the context of burn-induced muscle wasting.
- Understanding calpain involvement is key to addressing muscle loss following severe burns.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of calpain's role in burn-related muscle catabolism.
- Identifies potential therapeutic targets for mitigating skeletal muscle wasting after severe burns.
- Enhances knowledge of protease activity in critical illness and injury recovery.
