We are pleased to highlight a recent publication in Biomedicines, titled “All-trans Retinoic Acid and Beta-Carotene Increase Sclerostin Production in C2C12 Myotubes”. Conducted by researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, this study investigates how vitamin A and its derivatives regulate sclerostin, a protein that plays a crucial role in bone metabolism and muscle-bone communication.
Key Findings
- The study demonstrates that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and beta-carotene (β-C) significantly increase the production of sclerostin in muscle cells (C2C12 myotubes).
- Sclerostin, traditionally known as an inhibitor of bone formation, is secreted not only by bone cells but also by muscle cells, underscoring the interconnection between these tissues.
- The effect of ATRA on sclerostin production was dose-dependent and mediated through the retinoic acid receptor (RAR).
- Beta-carotene also enhanced sclerostin production, but this effect required conversion to ATRA via the enzyme BCMO1 (beta-carotene 15,15′-monooxygenase 1).
Why This Matters
Understanding how vitamin A derivatives regulate muscle-secreted sclerostin opens new avenues for research into bone and muscle health, particularly in conditions such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. This study suggests that dietary vitamin A intake could influence muscle-bone interactions, with potential implications for aging, metabolic disorders, and musculoskeletal diseases.
Access the Full Study
The full paper is available in Biomedicines and can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051432
Congratulations to the authors Franz Ewendt, Anne Lehmann, Maximilian F. Wodak, and Gabriele I. Stangl for their contribution to the understanding of muscle-bone crosstalk!
Stay tuned for more updates on groundbreaking research from the POLIFACES network.