STC2 Overexpression Elongates Myotube Length during Muscle Differentiation

초록

The Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) gene regulates various physiological processes, including cellular growth, metabolism, and stress responses in different cell types. Despite its abundant expression in skeletal muscles, the detailed role and function of STC2 in skeletal muscle differentiation are not yet fully understood. In this study, an STC2 expression vector was transfected into quail muscle cells to investigate its role and regulatory mechanisms during muscle formation. STC2-overexpressing (OE) cells formed morphologically longer myotubes and exhibited an increased average myotube length compared to control cells. Furthermore, STC2-OE cells formed longer myotubes with a higher number of nuclei. To investigate the mechanisms of STC2 in muscle differentiation, the mRNA expression levels of various genes known to regulate muscle differentiation and maturation were compared. Among them, the expression of FERM domain containing kindlin 2 (FERMT2) was significantly upregulated in STC2-OE cells on day 2 compared to control cells. STC2 may regulate myotube length by mediating FERMT2 which is essential for myotube fusion. This study provides valuable insights into the role of STC2 in myogenesis, potentially enhancing our understanding of muscle-related diseases and improving poultry muscle production.

키워드