Skeletal muscle function

Skeletal muscle function is not a discrete molecular target, receptor, enzyme, or drug target in the traditional therapeutic sense. Rather, it is a complex biological process involving multiple interconnected molecular components and pathways. It is a biological outcome that emerges from the coordinated action of hundreds of proteins and regulatory systems. Therefore, classifying it as a 'target' is fundamentally incorrect within a target classification framework. Skeletal muscle function actually encompasses multiple molecular targets and integrative biological processes, including: - **Contraction machinery**: Myosin, actin, troponin, and regulatory proteins that generate force. - **Calcium regulation**: Ryanodine receptor (RYR1), SERCA pumps, calsequestrin (CASQ1), and junctophilin (JPH1) for excitation-contraction coupling. - **Energy metabolism**: AMPK, mitochondrial fusion/fission proteins, and metabolic enzymes enabling ATP production. - **Structural support**: Collagen, decorin, and extracellular matrix components essential for force transmission. - **Signaling networks**: Calcineurin, MAPK pathways, and transcription factors controlling fiber-type specification. Canonical functions include producing movement, maintaining posture, controlling body temperature, and stabilizing joints. For therapeutic targeting, it is recommended to specify a particular molecular entity such as specific ion channels (e.g., RYR1), contractile proteins (e.g., myosin heavy chain), metabolic regulators (e.g., AMPK), or calcium-handling proteins (e.g., SERCA1).

Other names

Biological outcomeComplex biological process