Neuromuscular Regeneration of Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury in Response to Agrin-Functionalized Tissue Engineered Muscle Grafts and Rehabilitative Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Neuromuscular deficits compound the loss of contractile tissue in volumetric muscle loss (VML). Two avenues for promoting recovery are neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-promoting substrates (e.g., agrin) and endurance exercise. Although mechanical stimulation enhances agrin-induced NMJ formation, the two modalities have yet to be evaluated combinatorially. It is hypothesized that the implantation of human myogenic progenitor-seeded tissue-engineered muscle grafts (hTEMGs) in combination with agrin treatment and/or exercise will enhance neuromuscular recovery after VML. The hTEMGs alone transplant into VML defects promote significant regeneration with minimal scarring. A sex-appropriate, low-intensity continuous running exercise paradigm increases acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster density in

SUBMITTER: Mihaly E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11803514 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature