The "supermuscles" gene
The FHL1 gene stimulates muscle growth by activating the fusion and division of muscle cells – myoblasts. The authors of the publication in the Journal of Cell Biology plan to use this mechanism in the treatment of both acquired and some congenital muscular dystrophy.
Scientists managed to achieve activation of this gene both in individual myoblasts in in vitro culture and in the entire mouse body. The resulting rodents had greater strength and endurance, due to the fusion of myoblasts and the formation of more powerful, hypertrophied fibers.
When detailing the mechanism of action of FHL1, geneticists found that it not only has a similar mechanism, but also "overlaps" with the already known calcineurin/NFAT pathway – inhibition of the action of calcineurin blocked the effect of FHL1 activation.
In the case of acquired dystrophies, FHL1 is an excellent tool for gene therapy, but with congenital ones, when defects in other genes, such as dystrophin, are at the heart of muscle failure, the suitability of FHL1 remains to be determined.
"Newspaper.Ru»Portal "Eternal youth" http://www.vechnayamolodost.ru/