Human Tissue-Engineered Skeletal Muscle: A Tool for Metabolic Research

Area of Science:

• Muscle physiology and metabolic disease research.

Background:

• Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ, secreting myokines and exerkines that influence systemic energy homeostasis.
• Physical inactivity and altered muscle health contribute to metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes.
• Existing in vitro models (cell lines, animal models) lack human physiological relevance for studying metabolic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in in vitro human skeletal muscle models.
• To highlight the development of 3D bioartificial muscle for mimicking native tissue complexity.
• To discuss the future potential of skeletal muscle organoid technology in metabolic research.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies utilizing adult myogenic progenitors and pluripotent stem cells for in vitro muscle models.
• Focus on the development and characterization of 3D bioartificial muscle constructs.
• Discussion of organoid culture technology for skeletal muscle.

Main Results:

• In vitro models derived from human cells are advancing.
• 3D bioartificial muscles show promise in mimicking native skeletal muscle maturation and function.
• These models offer improved physiological relevance compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• 3D bioartificial muscle models represent a significant step towards physiologically relevant in vitro systems.
• Skeletal muscle organoid technology holds potential for advancing metabolic research.
• These models could facilitate the study of metabolic disease mechanisms and personalized therapies.