Study Upends Belief: Myc's Role in Muscle Growth More Complex Than Thought
A groundbreaking study by the University of Basel challenges the long-held belief that the protein Myc promotes skeletal muscle growth. Instead, high levels of Myc negatively impact muscle growth and function, opening new avenues for therapeutic research.
The study, led by an unnamed team of researchers, found that high Myc values suppress the production of proteins crucial for muscle contraction. This discovery contradicts previous hypotheses and sheds light on Myc's role in muscle stem cells.
Without Myc, muscle stem cells lose their ability to grow strongly or regenerate after injury. Conversely, high levels of Myc rapidly deteriorate muscle fibers, contrary to the previous assumption that it promotes growth. However, Myc remains essential for muscle stem cells to form enough muscle cells that later fuse into muscle fibers, supporting muscle growth and regeneration.
The University of Basel's study refutes the notion that Myc promotes skeletal muscle growth. Instead, it highlights Myc's crucial role in muscle stem cells and the importance of balancing its positive and negative effects for muscle growth and repair. Further research is needed to develop therapies that harness this balance.
