Molecular Nutritional Study on Prevention of Muscle Atrophy

Skeletal muscle atrophy caused by disuse is characterized by both reduction of protein synthesis and protein degradation. In our previous study, we found that ubiquitin ligase plays an important role in muscle atrophy under microgravity conditions. Therefore, it is possible that inhibition of ubiquitin ligase activity might prevent muscle atrophy. In this review, we focused on the role of proteolysis during muscle atrophy and a nutritional approach to prevent muscle atrophy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy and its related pathways is critical for the development of new therapeutic approaches.