Researchers identify muscle disease molecule
Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have found that blocking a certain molecule can protect muscles from wasting and improve regeneration, offering the hope of new therapies.
Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have found that blocking a certain molecule can protect muscles from wasting and improve regeneration, offering the hope of new therapies.
Scientists at the Heidelberg-based network of research centres have identified molecule NF-kB as promoting muscle-loss and inflammation. By blocking a protein called IKK2 which triggers NF-kB, the scientists were able to stop muscle wasting, even when blocking communication between the spinal cord and lower leg muscle, which usually causes this debilitating symptom.
'What we observed was truly amazing,' said the laboratory's Professor Nadia Rosenthal. The study was part-funded by the European Union's outgoing sixth framework programme on research.