(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New research shows that muscle atrophy is a much
more ordered and deliberate process than previously thought.
During atrophy, which can occur when the body is weak from a disease such as
cancer or AIDS, the body cannibalizes itself and breaks down muscle proteins to
liberate amino acids. According to a new study, scientists have learned that a
specific enzyme selectively degrades the thick filaments in the muscle but
leaves the thin filaments alone. This allows muscles to remain muscles and still
function, the researchers said.
Prior to this study, scientists knew that muscles were disassembled during
atrophy but they didn't know exactly how it was accomplished. It was also
thought that the muscle just got smaller. They said they now know that the
enzyme MuRF1 demolishes various components of the muscle's thick filament in a
specific order as part of a well-regulated process of degradation and
disassembly.
The researchers said their findings have given them a better plan to halt or
reverse atrophy with medication.
SOURCE: Journal of Cell Biology, June 15, 2009
