Dr. Stephen Burden and colleagues demonstrate that the DNA-binding protein, Runx1 (AML1), directs the expression of 29 genes involved in the prevention of skeletal muscle wasting. Using mice deficient in runx1 specifically in skeletal muscle cells, the researchers determined that Runx1 activation is necessary to sustain muscle by limiting the autophagy of denervated myofibers. Dr. Burden believes that their findings "raise the intriguing possibility that congenital myopathies, which do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance or become evident only late in life, may require two initiating events: a decrease in muscle activity, due to trauma, aging, or immobilization, as well as a mutation in Runx1 or its target genes."

'"/>

Contact: Heather Cosel
coselpie@cshl.edu
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
14-Jul-2005

Page: 1
Related biology news :

1. Preventing and treating lung cancer -- ESMO explores collaboration to fight cancer on all fronts
2. Preventing cancer without killing cells
3. Preventing obesity in children -- research highlights physical activity levels
4. Preventing graft-versus-host disease disease after bone marrow transplant -- without toxicity
5. Preventing ventilation induced lung injury depends on giving the right number of sighs
6. Preventing bacterial biofilms could help fight TB
7. Preventing fetal exposure to popular acne drug
8. Preventing a pandemic: Study suggests strategies for containing a flu outbreak
9. Size matters: Preventing large mammal extinction
10. Undesirable expatriates: Preventing the spread of invasive animals
11. Preventing SCD1 expression prevents obesity