MicroRNA in myogenesis and muscle atrophy

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2013 May;16(3):258-66. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32835f81b9.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To understand the impact of microRNA on myogenesis and muscle wasting in order to provide valuable information for clinical investigation.

Recent findings: Muscle wasting increases the risk of morbidity/mortality in primary muscle diseases, secondary muscle disorders and elderly population. Muscle mass is controlled by several different signalling pathways. Insulin-like growth factor/PI3K/Akt is a positive signalling pathway, as it increases muscle mass by increasing protein synthesis and decreasing protein degradation. This pathway is directly and/or indirectly downregulated by miR-1, miR-133, miR-206 or miR-125b, and upregulated by miR-23a or miR-486. Myostatin and the transforming growth factor-β signalling pathway are negative regulators that cause muscle wasting. An increase of miR-27 reduces myostatin and increases muscle cell proliferation. Muscle regeneration capacity also plays a significant role in the regulation of muscle mass. This review comprehensively describes the effect of microRNA on myoblasts proliferation and differentiation, and summarizes the varied influences of microRNA on different muscle atrophy.

Summary: Growing evidence indicates that microRNAs significantly impact muscle growth, regeneration and metabolism. MicroRNAs have a great potential to become diagnostic and/or prognostic markers, therapeutic agents and therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Down-Regulation
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Motor Activity
  • Muscle Development / genetics
  • Muscle Development / physiology*
  • Muscle Proteins / genetics
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscular Atrophy / genetics
  • Muscular Atrophy / metabolism
  • Muscular Atrophy / pathology*
  • Myostatin / genetics
  • Myostatin / metabolism
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / genetics
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / genetics
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Regeneration
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Muscle Proteins
  • Myostatin
  • PPARGC1A protein, human
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha
  • Transcription Factors
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase