Stem Cell Dysfunction in Aged Skeletal Muscle

Summary

This research project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of stem cell dysfunction in aged skeletal muscle, specifically focusing on the FOS/NAD/ART1-MARylation pathway, to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving muscle health in the elderly.

What they want

The project will test the hypothesis that the FOS/AP-1 tissue regenerative program (including the ART1 pathway) is mis-regulated in aged skeletal muscle, leading to dampened stem cell activation and progressive deterioration. Aim 1 will determine the expression patterns and functional significance of FOS/AP-1 gene targets in adult and aged muscle stem cells (MuSCs). Aim 2 will determine the expression dynamics, functional requirements, and MARylated protein substrates of the newly discovered NAD/ART1-MARylation stem cell activation pathway in adult and aged MuSCs.

Deliverables

Determination of expression patterns and functional significance of FOS/AP-1 gene targets in adult and aged MuSCs
Determination of expression dynamics, functional requirements, and MARylated protein substrates of the NAD/ART1-MARylation stem cell activation pathway in adult and aged MuSCs
Highlighting a new FOS/NAD/ART1-MARylation stem cell activation pathway
Opening new therapeutic avenues for improving muscle health in the elderly population