Last Update: January 17, 2023, 08:36 IST
Three types of double strand DNA molecules showing nucleotide pairs in double helix vector illustration
The new discovery is thought to revolutionize the way medical practitioners treat muscle injuries
In a new discovery, researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have found that a protein may be helpful in muscle repair. The study identified a protein known as platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-B), which is continuously released from skeletal muscle cells, can promote the formation of myoblasts or muscle stem cells. It is suggested that PDGF-B helps with the growth of muscle fibers, which is the unexpectedly strong contraction they discovered. The new discovery is considered by medical practitioners to revolutionize the way muscle injuries are treated. Here’s everything you need to know about the new discovery.
What are myokines?
To understand the new study, it’s worth knowing that myokines are small proteins that are secreted into muscle cells, which perform a number of functions. Although the exact mechanism by which myokines promote cellular processes remains unknown, it has been reported that they are useful when it comes to the maintenance of muscle tissue. Aiming to find answers, a team of researchers studied how myokines affect muscle cells. Through experiments, he learned that the myokine protein PDGF-B is produced by skeletal muscles without any stimulus. The group of researchers was led by Associate Professor Yasuko Manabe of Tokyo Metropolitan University.
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How were the experiments done?
To understand the role of myokines, the researchers first exposed myoblasts to PDGF-B, in which they learned that the protein increased myoblasts’ rapid production. Furthermore, it was discovered that the protein also affected cells in the developmental stage, when open myotubes exhibited an increase in diameter.
The research study was carried out using a technique developed to observe how myotubes respond to an electrical pulse and found a direct correlation with increased contraction strength. This means that protein not only helps in building muscle fibers but also helps in making them stronger.
What was the result?
The final result indicates that PDGF-B creates subtle differences between myotubes and myoblasts. Researchers believe that the difference involves changing the rapid growth of cells to lead them to mature.
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