Scientists have identified a specific protein which controls the formation and production of
myoblast cells; which ultimately controls the development and regeneration of muscles. The protein that plays a vital role in muscle function is called the
MyD88 protein. During the formation of muscle, stem cells multiply into preliminary cells called myoblasts. These myoblasts fuse together and form a muscle fiber. Researchers at Uofl's Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neruobiology determined the protein MyD88 is needed for myoblasts to fuse together to form muscle fibers. Because of this, researchers believe this protein may be useful in donor cell therapies used to treat muscular disorders such as muscular dystrophies.
Further research shows this protein may also be used in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma, cancerous tumors in skeletal muscle. Researchers are investigating the molecular signaling that takes place involving this protein which regulate skeletal muscle mass. This research continues today, however results from this research will help make more treatments for disorders of the muscle. I believe this article to be very interesting. I find muscle intriguing as I am studying to be in a career that deals with muscle for the majority of it, I find it fascinating that a specific protein can impact the growth of a single muscle fiber. I also believe this research will be influential in curing muscular disorders.
Identifying the signaling protein that is responsible for muscle growth is a very useful finding that can be applied to both scientific research and medicine. By utilizing this knowledge, researchers have an understanding of underlying mechanisms in neuromuscular diseases and further find a treatment for them. Neuromuscular diseases such as ALS, multiple sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy are incredibly difficult for affected individuals to live with, but creating novel treatments based on this signaling protein can improve quality of life for them.
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