The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that sarcopenic muscle secretes fewer extracellular vesicles and that these vesicles contain lower levels of miR-7a-5p, a microRNA involved in restraining tumor growth. Researchers worked with collaborators from Singapore and Cardiff to compare young and older muscle.
The team discovered a biological pathway that controls vesicle release. That pathway declines with age but can be reactivated through exercise. In experiments, exercise appeared to restore the protective function of muscle-derived vesicles, suggesting physical activity changes the signals muscles send to other cells.
Clinically, the researchers observe an association between advanced cancer and low muscle mass. The authors say the muscle-to-tumor communication pathway could be targeted to develop therapies and that miR-7a-5p or vesicles might become useful biomarkers after further validation in human samples.
Difficult words
- sarcopenic — having low muscle mass and strength
- secrete — to send out a substance from a cellsecretes
- extracellular vesicle — a small particle cells release outside themselvesextracellular vesicles
- microRNA — a small RNA that controls gene activity
- pathway — a series of biological steps in cells
- biomarker — a measurable sign used to detect diseasebiomarkers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might regular exercise change the signals muscles send to other cells?
- Do you think testing vesicles or miR-7a-5p in people could help doctors? Why or why not?
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