January 15, 2015, Iowa City, IA. – Emmyon scientists Chris Adams and Scott Ebert have co-authored two new papers describing novel molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy. The research was performed in the Adams laboratory at the University of Iowa.
The first paper identifies two proteins (p53 and ATF4) that work together to cause muscle atrophy when muscles are immobilized (American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism, volume 307, pages E245-261).
The second paper identifies a protein (spermine oxidase) that helps to protect muscle from atrophy (American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism, volume 308, pages E144-158).
Understanding basic mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy helps us find new ways to combat it.