The E3 ligase MuRF2 plays a key role in the functional capacity of skeletal muscle fibroblasts

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2019;52(9):e8551. doi: 10.1590/1414-431X20198551. Epub 2019 Aug 29.

Abstract

Fibroblasts are a highly heterogeneous population of cells, being found in a large number of different tissues. These cells produce the extracellular matrix, which is essential to preserve structural integrity of connective tissues. Fibroblasts are frequently engaged in migration and remodeling, exerting traction forces in the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for matrix deposition and wound healing. In addition, previous studies performed on primary myoblasts suggest that the E3 ligase MuRF2 might function as a cytoskeleton adaptor. Here, we hypothesized that MuRF2 also plays a functional role in skeletal muscle fibroblasts. We found that skeletal muscle fibroblasts express MuRF2 and its siRNA knock-down promoted decreased fibroblast migration, cell border accumulation of polymerized actin, and down-regulation of the phospho-Akt expression. Our results indicated that MuRF2 was necessary to maintain the actin cytoskeleton functionality in skeletal muscle fibroblasts via Akt activity and exerted an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling in the skeletal muscle tissue.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation / physiology*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / physiology*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Mice
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle Proteins / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / physiology*

Substances

  • Muscle Proteins
  • muscle RING finger 2 protein, mouse
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases