Gene expression of sialidases in the skeletal muscle atrophy

• Grant number: 13/12273-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2013
• End date: July 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Edmar Zanoteli
• Grantee: Mariana Miranda Garcia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Neuraminidases are enzymes that participate in the regulation of the catabolism of sialoglicoconjugates in the lisosomes. A congenital deficiency of the sialidase Neu1 in children is based on the sialidosis, a neurosomatic severe disease associated with symptoms of hypotonia, muscle weakness and osteoskeletal deformities. Objective: To investigate the involvement of different forms of sialidases in the process of muscle atrophy in normal animals and in Neu1 deficient animals. Methodology: NEU1, NEU2, NEU3 and NEU4 gene expression will be analyzed through the technique of real-time PCR in denervated gastrocnemius muscles of normals and deficient mice for Neu1 in the periods of 7, 14 and 21 days. Rationale: The determination of the involvement of sialidases in the physiology of muscle fiber atrophy will be of great value for understanding the metabolism of sialic acid in the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle and control muscle mass.