An efficient protocol for studying human pluripotent stem cell-derived myotube senescence
image: A Schematic diagram showing the first differentiation step, i.e., differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into hMPCs. B Schematic diagram showing the second differentiation step, i.e., differentiation of hMPCs into myotubes, and analysis of senescence-associated phenotypes
Credit: Qian Zhao, Ying Jing, Shuai Ma, Weiqi Zhang, Jing Qu, Si Wang, Guang-Hui Liu
Sarcopenia, an age-related skeletal muscle condition characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass and function, is linked to increased vulnerability, a higher likelihood of falls, and higher mortality rates in older individuals. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms driving skeletal muscle aging is of great significance in both scientific and clinical fields. Consequently, myotube models that facilitate studying regulatory mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle aging are important tools required to advance intervention strategies against skeletal muscle aging and associated disorders. Here, the authors provide a detailed protocol to generate human pluripotent stem cells-derived myotubes and describe their applications in aging studies, as well as a troubleshooting for potential problems. Overall, this protocol serves as a valuable methodological reference for exploring the role and mechanism of genes involved in skeletal muscle aging.
The work entitled “An efficient protocol for studying human pluripotent stem cell-derived myotube senescence”was published on Biophysics Reports (published in Oct. 2023).