Suppression of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis mitigates sarcopenia

There are no current standard-of-care treatments for sarcopenia, an age-associated decline in muscle mass and strength. A new study shows that genetically or pharmacologically countering the age-associated accumulation of sphingolipids in skeletal muscle can ameliorate sarcopenia in mice. The authors also identify genetic variants linked to sphingolipid biosynthesis that associate with muscle function in aged humans.