GLI-AGE: Role of glial cells in age-related muscle sarcopenia and NMJ-disfunction.

forthcoming

Sarcopenia, marked by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength due to aging, presents a significant public health challenge. Despite its increasing prevalence, treatment options remain limited, focusing primarily on exercise and nutraceuticals. Sarcopenia shares several pathological features with nerve injury-induced muscle atrophy, including neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration. Recent studies have shown that muscle-resident Plp1+ glial cells rapidly activate a neurotrophic program in response to nerve damage. However, despite their established role in nerve regeneration, the involvement of these cells in age-related NMJ loss and muscle atrophy remains largely unexplored. The GLI-AGE project aims to explore the potential involvement of glial cells in age-related sarcopenia. It will utilize HD Spatial Gene Expression technology (HD-ST), a cutting-edge technique that combines advanced sequencing and high-resolution imaging to map glial cell activity and interactions in aged and geriatric mice. The project’s main objectives are: (1) to spatially characterize glial cell networks in aged muscle compared to young muscle, and (2) to validate their regenerative potential by identifying molecular targets (in-vivo and in-vitro) that may be implicated in the progression of sarcopenia. Through its multidisciplinary approach, GLI-AGE seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets to preserve neuromuscular function and slow muscle degeneration in the elderly. The project’s findings could pave the way for innovative strategies to maintain muscle health, reduce frailty, and enhance the quality of life for older adults, aligning with Horizon Europe’s goal of promoting healthy and active aging.