Epicatechin elicits MyoD-dependent myoblast differentiation and myogenic conversion of fibroblasts

PLoS One. 2017 Apr 6;12(4):e0175271. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175271. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Prevention of age-associated reduction in muscle mass and function is required to manage a healthy life. Supplemental (-)-Epicatechin (EC) appears to act as a potential regulator for muscle growth and strength. However, its cellular and molecular mechanisms as a potential muscle growth agent have not been studied well. In the current study, we investigated a role of EC in differentiation of muscle progenitors to gain the molecular insight into how EC regulates muscle growth. EC enhanced myogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner through stimulation of promyogenic signaling pathways, p38MAPK and Akt. EC treatment elevated MyoD activity by enhancing its heterodimerization with E protein. Consistently, EC also positively regulated myogenic conversion and differentiation of fibroblasts. In conclusion, EC has a potential as a therapeutic or nutraceutical remedy to treat degenerative muscle diseases or age-related muscle weakness.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Catechin / pharmacology*
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Line
  • Mice
  • MyoD Protein / physiology*
  • Myoblasts / cytology*

Substances

  • MyoD Protein
  • Catechin

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIP) (NRF-2011-0030074, 2015R1A2A1A15056117 and 2016R1A2134014868).