Published in Aging Cell
Researchers from the Complex Metabolic Diseases and Mitochondria laboratory, led by Dr. Antonio Zorzano and Dr. David Sebastián, have identified a protein called BNIP3 that protects against age-related muscle atrophy, also known as sarcopenia. The study found that the absence of BNIP3 causes the accumulation of defective mitochondria, leading to inflammation and muscle degeneration.
Published in the journal Aging Cell, the study was conducted using cultured cells, mouse models and samples from young and elderly people. The researchers intend to focus future work on identifying blood biomarkers associated with high levels of BNIP3 and understanding the mechanisms that determine high and low levels of this protein.
For more information:
https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/news/scientific/correct-mitochondrial-function-prevents-muscle-loss-during-ageing
