Type I muscle atrophy caused by microgravity-induced decrease of myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein expression

FEBS Lett. 2000 Jul 14;477(1-2):135-40. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01715-4.

Abstract

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy under microgravity, the paraspinal muscles of rats after 14 days spaceflight and those of ground-based controls were examined. In the microgravitational environment, expressions of 42 genes changed, and the expressions of heat shock protein 70 and t complex polypeptide 1 increased. In Northern blotting, myocyte-specific enhancer binding factor 2C (MEF2C) and MEF2C-related genes including aldolase A and muscle ankyrin decreased. After 9 days ground recovery, expression of MEF2C increased and it was located mainly on the satellite cells in the muscle regeneration state. MEF2C could be a key transcriptional factor for skeletal muscle atrophy and regeneration under microgravity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch / metabolism
  • Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Muscular Atrophy / genetics
  • Muscular Atrophy / metabolism*
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors / genetics
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors / metabolism*
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / genetics
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Regeneration
  • Space Flight
  • Time Factors
  • Weightlessness / adverse effects*

Substances

  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • DNA
  • Myosin Heavy Chains