Developing an antibody to combat age-related muscle atrophy

As we age, our muscles atrophy. Earlier this year, researchers found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a protein critical in skeletal muscle development loses its functionality due to nitration as we age. Now, the same team has developed a monoclonal antibody that blocks the nitration sites of HGF, effectively preventing the protein's age induced loss of function. Their findings were validated utilizing rat muscles cell culture.

Developing an antibody to combat age-related muscle atrophy
As we age, our muscles atrophy. Earlier this year, researchers found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a protein critical in skeletal muscle development loses its functionality due to nitration as we age. Now, the same team has developed a monoclonal antibody that blocks the nitration sites of HGF, effectively preventing the protein's age induced loss of function. Their findings were validated utilizing rat muscles cell culture.