Molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia and its associated obesity

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H04058
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University
• Principal Investigator: Kamei Yasutomi 京都府立大学, 生命環境科学研究科, 教授 (70300829)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: サルコペニア / 肥満 / 骨格筋 / 遺伝子発現 / 食品成分 / 筋萎縮 / エネルギー消費

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Our aim has been to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia and associated obesity. Based on our previous data, we have been focusing on FOXO1, PGC1 and Dnmt3a, which are transcriptional regulators. We performed omics analysis using gene- modified mice, and conducted a screening of food components, as well as in vitro molecular biological analysis. We found that soy isoflavones activated fat-usage genes (soy isoflavone is likely to attenuate obesity), and vitamin D suppressed atrophy genes in the skeletal muscle (vitamin D is a potential inhibitor of muscle atrophy). We identified numerous target genes, which are regulated during atrophy and exercise. By further analysis, the mechanisms related to sarcopenia, the prevention of atrophy and improvement of exercise capability, will be clarified, and knowledge on functional foods will be obtained.

Free Research Field

分子栄養学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

サルコペニア（加齢や不活動・低栄養・疾患などによる筋萎縮・筋機能低下）とそれに伴う肥満（サルコペニア肥満）は超高齢社会の我が国で直面している問題である。本研究の実施により、サルコペニアとサルコペニア肥満の発症と予防・改善の分子基盤の手がかりを得た。本研究の成果を発展させることにより、超高齢社会の健康寿命延伸の手がかりとなり、また骨格筋を主体とした生理・病態生理現象の解明による健康科学分野進展への波及効果が期待される。