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Updated: May 15, 2025
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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
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying aging-related gastric neuromuscular dysfunction
Yuebo Zhang1, Egan L Choi1, Yujiro Hayashi1
1Enteric NeuroScience Program and Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Summary
Aging causes a decline in gastric motor function due to loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Understanding these mechanisms can lead to therapies for better gastric motility in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Aging Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Aging leads to decreased gastric motor function, impacting food intake and contributing to frailty and sarcopenia.
- A primary cellular change is the loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), crucial for gastric electrical activity and motility.
- Reduced ICC function impairs gastric compliance and slow wave activity, causing early satiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms driving age-related decline in ICC.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies for preserving gastric motility in aging populations.
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of ICC loss and its impact on health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current findings on aging-related ICC decline.
- Analysis of molecular pathways including TRP53, ERK, and IGF1.
- Examination of epigenetic regulation by EZH2 and ICC stem/precursor cells (ICC-SCs).
Main Results:
- Aging-related ICC depletion impairs gastric motility and reduces food intake.
- Key molecular players in ICC decline include TRP53, ERK, IGF1, and EZH2.
- Epigenetic modifications and dysfunction of ICC-SCs contribute to cellular loss.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the mechanisms of ICC decline is vital for addressing age-related gastric dysfunction.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting ICC maintenance could improve gastric motility and health in the elderly.
- Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications for improved quality of life.
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