Relaxin as a treatment for musculoskeletal fibrosis: What we know and future directions.

Fibrotic changes in musculoskeletal diseases arise from the abnormal buildup of fibrotic tissue around the joints, leading to limited mobility, compromised joint function, and diminished quality of life. Relaxin (RLX) attenuates fibrosis by accelerating collagen degradation and inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Further, RLX disrupts myofibroblast activation by modulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways, which reduces connective tissue fibrosis.

Acoustically triggered mechanotherapy using genetically encoded gas vesicles.

Recent advances in molecular engineering and synthetic biology provide biomolecular and cell-based therapies with a high degree of molecular specificity, but limited spatiotemporal control. Here we show that biomolecules and cells can be engineered to deliver potent mechanical effects at specific locations inside the body through ultrasound-induced inertial cavitation. This capability is enabled by gas vesicles, a unique class of genetically encodable air-filled protein nanostructures.

In Vivo Printing of Nanoenabled Scaffolds for the Treatment of Skeletal Muscle Injuries.

Extremity skeletal muscle injuries result in substantial disability. Current treatments fail to recoup muscle function, but properly designed and implemented tissue engineering and regenerative medicine techniques can overcome this challenge. In this study, a nanoengineered, growth factor-eluting bioink that utilizes Laponite nanoclay for the controlled release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and a GelMA hydrogel for a supportive and adhesive scaffold that can be crosslinked in vivo is presented.

Optimizing Skeletal Muscle Anabolic Response to Resistance Training in Aging.

Loss of muscle mass and strength with aging, also termed sarcopenia, results in a loss of mobility and independence. Exercise, particularly resistance training, has proven to be beneficial in counteracting the aging-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. However, the anabolic response to exercise in old age is not as robust, with blunted improvements in muscle size, strength, and function in comparison to younger individuals.