Medecine Sciences · Nov 17, 2023

GDF5: a therapeutic candidate for combating sarcopenia

By Piétri-Rouxel F, Falcone S, Traoré M

Sarcopenia is a complex age-related muscular disease affecting 10 to 16 % of people over 65 years old. It is characterized by excessive loss of muscle mass and strength. Despite a plethora of studies aimed at understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying this pathology, the pathophysiology of sarcopenia remains poorly understood. To date, there is no pharmacological treatment for this disease. In this context, our team develop therapeutic approaches based on the GDF5 protein to counteract the loss of muscle mass and function in various pathological conditions, including sarcopenia. After deciphering one of the molecular mechanisms governing GDF5 expression, we have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this protein in the preservation of muscle mass and strength in aged mice.

doi.org/10.1051/medsci/2023143Open accessPubMed 37975770Interventions