Without this protein, damaged muscle fills with fat and scar tissue
Researchers have uncovered a surprising hidden function of a protein that may hold the key to repairing damaged muscles and treating muscular dystrophy. Known for protecting chromosomes, TRF2 also helps muscle stem cells maintain their identity and regenerate injured tissue. When scientists removed the protein in mice, muscles struggled to repair themselves, and muscular dystrophy progressed dramatically faster.
Key Takeaways
- Researchers have uncovered a surprising hidden function of a protein that may hold the key to repairing damaged muscles and treating muscular dystrophy.
- Known for protecting chromosomes, TRF2 also helps muscle stem cells maintain their identity and regenerate injured tissue.
- When scientists removed the protein in mice, muscles struggled to repair themselves, and muscular dystrophy progressed dramatically faster.
Researchers have uncovered a surprising hidden function of a protein that may hold the key to repairing damaged muscles and treating muscular dystrophy. Known for protecting chromosomes, TRF2 also helps muscle stem cells maintain their identity and regenerate injured tissue. When scientists removed the protein in mice, muscles struggled to repair themselves, and muscular dystrophy progressed dramatically faster.
Original Publisher Attribution
This summary was curated from ScienceDaily.