Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026
09:45
Mitochondrial Isolation from Skeletal Muscle
Published on: March 30, 2011
29.6K
The JAK/STAT Pathway in Skeletal Muscle Pathophysiology
Viviana Moresi1,2, Sergio Adamo1,2, Libera Berghella1,3
1Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, DAHFMO, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Frontiers in Physiology
|May 23, 2019
Summary
The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway regulates muscle growth and wasting. Epigenetic control of this pathway offers therapeutic potential for metabolic diseases and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Physiology
Background:
- The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activation of transcription (STAT) pathway is crucial for cellular communication, mediating signals from hormones and cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- This pathway plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis but its dysregulation is linked to diseases including cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
- In skeletal muscle, JAK/STAT signaling has dual roles, promoting hypertrophy via satellite cell proliferation while also contributing to muscle wasting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions of the JAK/STAT pathway in striated muscle pathophysiology.
- To explore the role of IL-6 in mediating communication between skeletal muscle and other organs.
- To highlight the potential of targeting the JAK/STAT pathway and epigenetic mechanisms for therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on JAK/STAT pathway signaling in muscle.
- Analysis of the role of IL-6 and its interaction with JAK/STAT in metabolic diseases.
- Examination of epigenetic regulation (histone methylation and acetylation) of IL-6 and JAK/STAT components.
Main Results:
- The JAK/STAT pathway is essential for skeletal muscle homeostasis, with IL-6 signaling inducing opposing effects on muscle mass.
- Epigenetic modifications, specifically histone methylation and acetylation, regulate the expression of IL-6 and key JAK/STAT pathway members.
- Dysregulation of JAK/STAT signaling is implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer and metabolic disorders.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the JAK/STAT pathway and epigenetic modulators presents a promising therapeutic strategy for diseases associated with muscle pathophysiology and metabolic dysfunction.
- Understanding the cross-talk between skeletal muscle and other organs via IL-6 and JAK/STAT signaling is critical for developing effective treatments.
- The dual role of JAK/STAT in muscle highlights the complexity of targeting this pathway for therapeutic benefit.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
12.3K
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
12.3K
01:48Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
59.4K
Skeletal muscles continuously produce ATP to provide the energy that enables muscle contractions. Skeletal muscle fibers can be categorized into three types based on differences in their contraction speed and how they produce ATP, as well as physical differences related to these factors. Most human muscles contain all three muscle fiber types, albeit in varying proportions.
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
59.4K
01:29Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
5.7K
The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
5.7K
01:15Overview of Skeletal Muscle
14.4K
Skeletal muscles are composed of a bundle of muscle fibers and are attached to bones through tendons. Each skeletal muscle fiber is a single muscle cell. The sarcolemma, the plasma membrane of a skeletal muscle cell, consists of a lipid bilayer and glycocalyx that supports muscle fibers. The sarcolemma extends into the muscle cells to form tubular structures called transverse or T-tubules. Each side of the T-tubules consists of a membrane-bound structure called the sarcoplasmic reticulum,...
14.4K
00:55Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
92.7K
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant type of muscle in the body. Tendons are the connective tissue that attaches skeletal muscle to bones. Skeletal muscles pull on tendons, which in turn pull on bones to carry out voluntary movements.
92.7K
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
1.7K
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
1.7K