Targeting the Skeletal Muscle Microenvironment: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Skeletal Muscle Aging

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Muscle Physiology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Sarcopenia is a major health issue in the elderly, significantly impacting life quality.
• Traditional research focused on muscle fibers, neglecting the skeletal muscle microenvironment's role.
• The microenvironment, including extracellular matrix and cellular components, is key to muscle homeostasis and aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review novel intervention strategies targeting the aging skeletal muscle microenvironment.
• To explore approaches for coordinated multipathway remodeling of the muscle niche.
• To provide a theoretical foundation and clinical avenues for combating sarcopenia.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on sarcopenia and muscle microenvironment.
• Analysis of cell-cell and interorgan communications within the muscle niche.
• Examination of intervention strategies focused on microenvironmental remodeling.

Main Results:

• The skeletal muscle microenvironment undergoes significant remodeling with age, driving sarcopenia.
• Novel interventions targeting this niche show promise for delaying or reversing muscle aging.
• Coordinated multipathway remodeling strategies offer new therapeutic possibilities.

Conclusions:

• The muscle microenvironment is a critical factor in skeletal muscle aging and sarcopenia.
• Targeting the microenvironment presents a promising avenue for sarcopenia interventions.
• Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and validate translational applications.