Tripartite motif-containing protein 63 (MuRF-1) (MuRF-1)

Tripartite motif-containing protein 63 (MuRF-1) is a muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of muscle mass by mediating the degradation of sarcomeric proteins (UniProt P58520). It is primarily expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle, where it targets proteins such as titin, troponin I, and myosin heavy chain for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome (PubMed: 11714811). MuRF-1 expression is significantly upregulated during muscle-wasting conditions, including cancer cachexia, sarcopenia, and immobilization, identifying it as a key driver of muscle atrophy (PubMed: 27121076). As a therapeutic target, MuRF-1 mRNA and the protein it encodes are being investigated for the treatment of various muscle-wasting disorders. Strategies include the development of small molecule inhibitors to block its ligase activity and RNA-based therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides, to reduce MuRF-1 mRNA levels (PubMed: 32824151). By inhibiting MuRF-1, researchers aim to preserve muscle mass and function in patients suffering from chronic diseases or age-related decline.

Other names

TRIM63Muscle RING-finger protein-1SVDIRFRNF158

Reduction of MuRF-1 mRNA levels via antisense oligonucleotides or RNA interference, or direct inhibition of the MuRF-1 E3 ligase enzymatic activity to prevent ubiquitination of myofibrillar proteins (PubMed: 32824151).