Researchers at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes in Portugal have discovered a method to enhance muscle regeneration in aged mice by modulating immune cell function, specifically using a protein called MANF. Their study, recently published in Nature Aging, reveals that increasing MANF levels in aged muscle can restore lost regenerative capacity, making it a potential adjunct for improving existing muscle regenerative therapies and addressing age-related diseases.
The research team, led by Joana Neves and Pedro Sousa-Victor, identified that macrophages—immune cells critical for clearing dead cells during muscle regeneration—exhibit decreased MANF levels in older mice. This deficiency impairs their function, akin to a vacuum cleaner struggling to clean. Conversely, boosting MANF in aged muscle significantly enhances regeneration.
The findings suggest that immune aging hampers muscle recovery, presenting a promising target for regenerative medicine aimed at rejuvenating aged or diseased organs. Incorporating MANF could improve current stem-cell-based therapies for muscle regeneration, potentially extending human health spans by combating the effects of aging. The study highlights the importance of immune modulation in addressing regenerative challenges associated with aging.
