Growth factor enhancement of muscle regeneration: a central role of IGF-1

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Arch Ital Biol. 2005 Sep;143(3-4):243-8.

Growth factor enhancement of muscle regeneration: a central role of

IGF-1.

Musaro A.

Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Interuniversity

Institute of Myology, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy.

The prolongation of skeletal muscle strength in aging and

neuromuscular disease has been the objective of numerous studies

employing a variety of approaches. In the last decade, dramatic

progress has been made in elucidating the molecular defects

underlying a number of muscle diseases. With the characterization of

mutations responsible for muscle dysfunction in several inherited

pathologies, and the identification of novel signaling pathways,

subtle alterations in which can lead to significant defects in muscle

metabolism, the field is poised to devise successful strategies for

treatment of this debilitating and often fatal group of human

ailments. Yet progress has been slow in therapeutic applications of

our newly gained knowledge. The complexity of muscle types, the

intimate relationship between structural integrity and mechanical

function, and the sensitivity of skeletal muscle to metabolic

perturbations have impeded rapid progress in successful clinical

intervention. The relatively poor regenerative properties of striated

muscle compound also the devastating effects of muscle degeneration.