Age-related impairment of muscle resident progenitor cells affect the metabolic homeostasis of skeletal muscle

Progenitor cells derived from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPECs) have shown promise as therapeutic approaches to degenerative retinal disorders including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. However, the degeneration of Bruch’s membrane (BM), the natural substrate for the RPE, has been identified as one of the major limitations for utilizing RPECs. This degeneration leads to decreased support, survival and integration of the transplanted RPECs. It has been proposed that the generation of organized structures of nanofibers, in an attempt to mimic the natural retinal extracellular matrix (ECM) and its unique characteristics, could be utilized to overcome these limitations. Furthermore, nanoparticles could be incorporated to provide a platform for improved drug delivery and sustained release of molecules over several months to years. In addition, the incorporation of tissue-specific genes and stem cells into the nanostructures increased the stability and enhanced transfection efficiency of gene/drug to the posterior segment of the eye. This review discusses available drug delivery systems and combination therapies together with challenges associated with each approach. As the last step, we discuss the application of nanofibrous scaffolds for the implantation of RPE progenitor cells with the aim to enhance cell adhesion and support a functionally polarized RPE monolayer.

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Molecular Mechanism and Pathogenesis of Sarcopenia: An Overview

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22063032 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 3032

Author(s):

Anna Picca ◽

Riccardo Calvani

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Molecular Mechanism ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Skeletal Muscle Mass ◽

Strength Function ◽

Age Related

Sarcopenia involves a progressive age‐related decline of skeletal muscle mass and strength/function [...]

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Gait disturbances and muscle dysfunction in fibroblast growth factor 2 knockout mice

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90565-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

C. Homer-Bouthiette ◽

L. Xiao ◽

Marja M. Hurley

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor ◽

Muscle Function ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ◽

Fibroblast Growth ◽

Skeletal Muscle Function ◽

Age Related ◽

Gait Disturbances

AbstractFibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is important in musculoskeletal homeostasis, therefore the impact of reduction or Fgf2 knockout on skeletal muscle function and phenotype was determined. Gait analysis as well as muscle strength testing in young and old WT and Fgf2KO demonstrated age-related gait disturbances and reduction in muscle strength that were exacerbated in the KO condition. Fgf2 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in skeletal muscle of old WT compared with young WT. Muscle fiber cross-sectional area was significantly reduced with increased fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrates in old WT and Fgf2KO vs. young WT. Inflammatory cells were further significantly increased in old Fgf2KO compared with old WT. Lipid-related genes and intramuscular fat was increased in old WT and old Fgf2KO with a further increase in fibro-adipocytes in old Fgf2KO compared with old WT. Impaired FGF signaling including Increased β-Klotho, Fgf21 mRNA, FGF21 protein, phosphorylated FGF receptors 1 and 3, was observed in old WT and old Fgf2KO. MAPK/ ERK1/2 was significantly increased in young and old Fgf2KO. We conclude that Fgf2KO, age-related decreased FGF2 in WT mice, and increased FGF21 in the setting of impaired Fgf2 expression likely contribute to impaired skeletal muscle function and sarcopenia in mice.

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