Apoptosis of skeletal muscle nuclei

Apoptosis of skeletal muscle nuclei, often referred to as myonuclear apoptosis, is a specialized biological process occurring within the multinucleated syncytium of skeletal muscle fibers. Unlike mononuclear cells where apoptosis leads to the death of the entire cell, skeletal muscle can undergo the loss of individual nuclei without the immediate elimination of the whole fiber, a phenomenon often associated with muscle atrophy and wasting (sarcopenia). This process is regulated by classical apoptotic pathways, including the mitochondrial-mediated (intrinsic) pathway and the death receptor-mediated (extrinsic) pathway, involving key proteins such as caspases, Bax, and Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF). In various disease states like muscular dystrophy, cachexia, and age-related muscle loss, the rate of myonuclear apoptosis increases, leading to a reduction in the myonuclear domain and subsequent loss of muscle mass and function. While not a single molecular target itself, the pathways governing myonuclear apoptosis are significant areas of research for therapeutic intervention to preserve muscle integrity in chronic diseases.

Other names

Myonuclear apoptosisApoptosis in multinucleated skeletal muscleMyonuclear decayNuclear apoptosis in myofibers

Modulation of apoptotic signaling cascades, such as caspase inhibition or stabilization of mitochondrial membranes, to prevent nuclear degradation within the myofiber.