Brain-muscle communication prevents muscle aging by maintaining daily physiology

Science. 2024 May 3;384(6695):563-572. doi: 10.1126/science.adj8533. Epub 2024 May 2.

Abstract

A molecular clock network is crucial for daily physiology and maintaining organismal health. We examined the interactions and importance of intratissue clock networks in muscle tissue maintenance. In arrhythmic mice showing premature aging, we created a basic clock module involving a central and a peripheral (muscle) clock. Reconstituting the brain-muscle clock network is sufficient to preserve fundamental daily homeostatic functions and prevent premature muscle aging. However, achieving whole muscle physiology requires contributions from other peripheral clocks. Mechanistically, the muscle peripheral clock acts as a gatekeeper, selectively suppressing detrimental signals from the central clock while integrating important muscle homeostatic functions. Our research reveals the interplay between the central and peripheral clocks in daily muscle function and underscores the impact of eating patterns on these interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • ARNTL Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Aging* / genetics
  • Aging* / physiology
  • Aging, Premature* / genetics
  • Aging, Premature* / prevention & control
  • Animals
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Circadian Clocks / physiology
  • Circadian Rhythm* / genetics
  • Circadian Rhythm* / physiology
  • Homeostasis
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Muscle, Skeletal* / physiology

Substances

  • Bmal1 protein, mouse
  • ARNTL Transcription Factors