An effect of ageing, one of many, is muscle loss which contributes to disability.
Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, California, are studying ways to accelerate the regeneration of muscle tissue using a combination of molecular compounds commonly used in stem cell research.
Led by Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, the research published on 25 May in Nature Communications showed that using these molecular compounds increased the regeneration of muscle cells in mice, states Science Daily.
“Our study uncovers specific factors that are able to accelerate muscle regeneration, as well as revealing the mechanism by which this occurred,” said Professor Izpisua Belmonte.
“Our laboratory has recently developed novel gene-editing technologies that could be used to accelerate muscle recovery after injury and improve muscle function,” he added.
Although more work is needed before this approach can be applied in humans, the research provides an insight into the underlying mechanisms related to muscle regeneration and growth.
This is clearly a good area where money should be put into research. Muscle loss in ageing people is a major concern.
