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HRT improves muscle function

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly improves muscle function down to the muscle fibre level in postmenopausal women. HRT has been shown to reduce age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, particularly at cellular and molecular levels.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 30, 2013

Pushing the boundaries

A new model of cell fusion was created by researchers at Johns Hopkins, revealing two critical components necessary for the process. The discovery may lead to improved treatments for muscular dystrophy, as cell fusion plays a crucial role in muscle regeneration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 2013

G proteins regulate remodelling of blood vessels

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have discovered how external signals regulate vascular remodelling through G protein-mediated signalling pathways. These pathways work together in other contexts but act as antagonists in blood vessel remodelling, balancing cell growth and regression.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 13, 2012

Finished heart switches stem cells off

Researchers discovered a crucial switch controlling cardiac stem cell activity, enabling the growth of healthy hearts and potentially treating congenital defects. By silencing this switch, scientists hope to regenerate damaged adult hearts using lab-cultured replacement cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 12, 2012

Strong communication between brain and muscle requires both having the protein LRP4

Research finds that both brain and muscle cells require the protein LRP4 to ensure robust communication. Without it, communication is inefficient and short-lived, contributing to disabling disorders like myasthenia gravis. The study suggests that delivering LRP4 through gene therapy may help bolster insufficient levels in patients.

Wiring the brain, through experience

Researchers at Harvard University found that mice brains undergo an explosion of neuromuscular branching before birth, with some muscle fibers contacted by up to 10 nerve cells. However, within days, most connections are pruned away, suggesting experience selects which connections to keep.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateJun 6, 2012

U of M researchers develop new muscular dystrophy treatment approach using human stem cells

Researchers from the University of Minnesota have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells derived from a new process that makes the production of human muscle cells efficient and effective. The study outlines a strategy for developing a rapidly dividing population of skeletal myogenic progenitor cells, set...

How muscle cells seal their membranes

Muscle cells have efficient systems to seal holes in their plasma membranes. Researchers at KIT and Heidelberg University observed membrane repair in real-time using a novel imaging method. They found that membrane vesicles form a repair patch, which is sealed off from the extracellular environment.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 14, 2012

Lineage trees reveal cells' histories

Weizmann Institute scientists have disproved a claim about the origin of eggs in female mammals and created a new method for reconstructing lineage trees for cells. The study found that ova cannot be descended from bone-marrow stem cells, but older mice eggs undergo more cell divisions than younger ones.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2012

Woodchucks and sudden cardiac death

Researchers found that hibernating woodchucks have a higher resistance to cardiac arrhythmias due to their unique calcium handling properties. This insight may suggest new strategies for protecting non-hibernating animals from fatal cardiac arrhythmias induced by hypothermic stresses and myocardial ischemia.

The mathematics of a heart beat could save lives

Scientists at the University of Nottingham developed a mathematical model of calcium activity in atrial heart cells, improving our understanding of heart disease and stroke. The model provides clinically relevant insights into sub-cellular calcium signals, allowing for new treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2012

Collective action

Researchers found that enhancers, which are meant to be active only in certain muscle types, were occupied by transcription factors from other tissues. This discovery reveals a new model for how enhancers function and provides insights into the developmental history of cells.

Massage is promising for muscle recovery

Researchers at McMaster University found a 10-minute massage significantly reduces inflammation in muscle, triggering biochemical signals that can aid healing. The study suggests massage may be an effective alternative to pain medications for recovery from injury.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2012

How work tells muscles to grow

A study in Cell Metabolism identifies serum response factor (Srf) as a crucial signal that tells surrounding muscle stem cells to multiply and join muscle fibers, controlling muscle growth. SRF's role in regulating muscle atrophy is also confirmed, with potential applications for therapies targeting its targets.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2012

How do you mend a broken heart?

Researchers identified a family of molecules that can stimulate stem cells to develop into beating heart muscle cells, paving the way for new therapies for cardiac regeneration and repair. The discoveries were made using a zebrafish model system and showed promise in enhancing the inherent regenerative capacities of the heart.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateDec 22, 2011

Newly discovered heart stem cells make muscle and bone

Researchers have identified a new pool of stem cells in the heart with long-term expansion capacity and ability to form various cell types, including muscle, bone, and neural cells. This discovery may lay the foundation for regenerative therapies to enhance tissue repair in the heart.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 1, 2011

Discovery of new muscle repair gene

Researchers have discovered a new muscle repair gene, MEGF10, which plays a crucial role in the fusion process of satellite cells. The findings provide accurate genetic testing and diagnosis for devastating conditions affecting muscle function, enabling hope for families affected by progressive muscle disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 20, 2011