Anabolic and catabolic pathways regulating skeletal muscle mass.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings as they pertain to anabolic and catabolic-signaling pathways involved in the regulation of adult skeletal muscle mass.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research conducted over the past few years has continued to refine our understanding of the pathways that govern skeletal muscle mass, in particular the mTOR, FoxO and NF-kappaB pathways. Alternative signaling pathways have also emerged as important regulators of muscle mass such as the beta-catenin pathway.

SUMMARY

A better understanding of the anabolic and catabolic processes which regulate skeletal muscle mass is critical for the development of more effective therapeutics to prevent the loss of muscle with disuse, aging and disease.