Effect of Myostatin Pathway Inhibition on Fibroblast Activity Using a Novel Small Molecule

Authors

Seth Hampton, Brigham Young University
Dr. Robert Hyldahl, Brigham Young University

Keywords

myostatin pathway inhibition, fibroblast activity, novel small molecule

College

Life Sciences

Department

Exercise Sciences

Abstract

Fibroblasts play a key role in repairing injured tissue by secreting collagen and growth factors into the tissue. In states of disease and overuse, fibroblast activity can become overly abundant and can lead to skeletal muscle fibrosis, decreasing strength and muscle elasticity. This fibrotic condition can lead to muscle wasting disorders, such as muscular dystrophies, that severely decrease the length and quality of life. Previous studies have shown that the TGF-beta signaling family directly increases fibroblast proliferation. It has also been shown that inhibition of myostatin, a member of the TGF-beta family, reduces symptoms of muscular dystrophies and decreases fibrosis. Previous research suggested that a novel small molecule, SGI-1252 (SGI), could serve as a pharmacological inhibitor of myostatin. The purpose of this project was to determine how treatment of fibroblasts with SGI affects proliferation. We hypothesized that SGI would decrease fibroblast proliferation, while myostatin would increase fibroblast proliferation.

Recommended Citation

Hampton, Seth and Hyldahl, Dr. Robert (2016) "Effect of Myostatin Pathway Inhibition on Fibroblast Activity Using a Novel Small Molecule," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2016: Iss. 1, Article 155.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2016/iss1/155