Over-expression of MuRF1 Protein Identified as Sufficient Cause of Muscle Wasting

Rockville, Md. (May 27, 2021)—Over-expression of the MuRF1 protein in the skeletal muscle of mice was sufficient to cause muscle wasting, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. In addition, researchers identified 56 proteins with modified lysines – an amino acid considered a building block of protein – resulting from the MuRF1 over-expression. 

“These data reveal a potential role for MuRF1 in breakdown of the sarcomere, but also the regulation of metabolism and other proteolytic pathways in skeletal muscle,” said Sue Bodine, PhD, the study’s co-author and the editor-in-chief of Journal of Applied Physiology. 

How will this finding help improve human health? MuRF1 has been shown to be a key regulator of skeletal muscle atrophy. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which MuRF1 induces skeletal muscle wasting and could reveal new targets for the development of therapies to reduce it.

Read the full article, “Identification of the MuRF1 skeletal muscle ubiquitylome through quantitative proteomics,” published ahead of print in Function. Contact the APS Communications Office or call 301.634.7314 to schedule an interview with a member of the research team.