Signaling in muscle atrophy and hypertrophy

[Guest guest]

Physiology (Bethesda). 2008 Jun;23:160-70.

Signaling in muscle atrophy and hypertrophy.

Sandri M.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova; Dulbecco

Telethon Institute; and Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine,

Padova, Italy

Muscle performance is influenced by turnover of contractile proteins.

Production of new myofibrils and degradation of existing proteins is

a delicate balance, which, depending on the condition, can promote

muscle growth or loss. Protein synthesis and protein degradation are

coordinately regulated by pathways that are influenced by mechanical

stress, physical activity, availability of nutrients, and growth

factors. Understanding the signaling that regulates muscle mass may

provide potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and

treatment of muscle wasting in metabolic and neuromuscular diseases.