Grant: Operating Grant

The loss of muscle mass, referred to as muscle wasting, is a hallmark of many chronic disease such as cancer. The importance of elucidating mechanisms involved in the induction of the muscle wasting is undermined by the fact that this loss of muscle mass has dire consequences on individuals affected by these diseases. Indeed, muscle wasting results in a lower quality of life that, ultimately, may lead to death. Our laboratory is working to identify the genes (DNA) involved in mediating the detrimental consequences that arises due to the induction of muscle wasting. The generation of protein from DNA requires the synthesis of an intermediate molecule named RNA. RNA thus serves as a template from which DNA genes are converted into proteins. The generation of RNA from DNA is mediated by factors named transcription factors. Our laboratory is currently working on a transcription factor named STAT3. Recently our laboratory has shown that STAT3 plays a prominent role in muscle wasting by increasing the gene expression of certain proteins that mediate muscle loss. Having established the importance of STAT3 in this process, in this application, we aim to identify the mechanisms (pathways/proteins) involved in mediating the expression of STAT3 during muscle wasting. By understanding these mechanisms we hope to identify potential anti-cachetic compounds which, by targeting STAT3, may prevent muscle wasting in cancer patients.