Gene and Cellular Signaling Related to Muscle

Dear Colleagues,

Skeletal muscle is incredibly adaptable, undergoing significant biochemical and structural changes in response to changes in activity levels, developmental cues, and environmental conditions. These changes are driven by complex alterations in gene expression that regulate muscle growth, differentiation, and function. Recent advances in molecular biology have provided insights into the intricate signaling pathways and regulatory networks that control these processes, offering a new understanding of skeletal muscle physiology and pathology. The molecular mechanisms underlying muscle atrophy and hypertrophy have been the focus of intensive research for several decades. Key signaling pathways, including those mediated by insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), myostatin, and various cytokines, have been identified as critical regulators of muscle mass. The role of transcription factors such as MyoD, myogenin, and FoxO in modulating gene expression during muscle growth and atrophy has also been well established. Despite this progress, our understanding of the full spectrum of molecular events driving muscle adaptation remains incomplete.

Emerging research highlights the significance of additional regulatory elements, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and epigenetic modifications, in controlling muscle gene expression. Moreover, the interplay between metabolic status, hormonal signals, and muscle cell signaling pathways underscores the complexity of muscle biology. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to combat muscle-wasting conditions associated with aging, chronic diseases, and metabolic disorders.

This Special Issue aims to combine original research articles and comprehensive reviews exploring the diverse cellular signaling pathways and genetic programs governing skeletal muscle function in health and disease.

We welcome contributions that address the following:

• Molecular mechanisms of muscle growth, differentiation, and regeneration;
• Pathways involved in muscle atrophy and hypertrophy;
• Role of transcription factors and non-coding RNAs in muscle gene regulation;
• Integration of metabolic signals and muscle cell signaling;
• Muscle–bone interactions and their impact on musculoskeletal health;
• Novel therapeutic targets for muscle-wasting diseases;
• Advances in muscle tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Dr. Khurshid Ahmad
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• skeletal muscle
• molecular mechanism
• muscle atrophy
• therapeutics
• metabolic signals
• satellite cells