|
Regeneration of skeletal muscle is a complex process
that requires the activation of quiescent adult stem
cells, called satellite cells, which are resident in
hypoxic niches in the tissue.
Hypoxia has been recognized as a key factor to
maintain stem cells in an undifferentiated state.
Herein researchers report that hypoxia plays a
fundamental role also in activating myogenesis.
In particular, researchers found that the activation
of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1a under
hypoxia, in murine skeletal myoblasts, leads to
activation of MyoD through the noncanonical Wnt/ß-catenin
pathway.
Moreover, chemical inhibition of HIF-1a activity
significantly reduces differentiation, thus
confirming its crucial role in the process.
Furthermore, hypoxia-preconditioned myoblasts, once
induced to differentiate under normoxic conditions,
tend to form hypertrophic myotubes.
These results support the notion that hypoxia plays
a pivotal role in activating the regeneration
process by directly inducing myogenesis through
HIF-1a.
Although preliminary, these findings may suggest new
perspective for novel therapeutic targets in the
treatment of several muscle diseases.
For more information
Activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1a
promotes myogenesis through the noncanonical Wnt
pathway, leading to hypertrophic myotubes
Link...
Università degli studi di Milano
Link...
MDN |