Photosynthetic bioenergetic-redox restoration rejuvenates the aged muscle regenerative niche

ABSTRACT:

Aging impairs muscle regeneration, but the key constraint remains unclear. Aged injured muscle fails to restore mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, ATP/NADPH balance and redox control, forming a bioenergetic-redox bottleneck. To target this, we engineered CM-NTU-Ce, a C2C12 membrane-coated nanothylakoid–ceria system coupling ATP/NADPH generation with redox buffering. In aged mice, CM-NTU-Ce improved mitochondrial fitness, restored ATP/ADP and NADPH/NADP ratios, enhanced myogenesis and functional recovery. Mechanistically, CM-NTU-Ce remodeled macrophages; depletion reduced regeneration, while CM-NTU-Ce-conditioned macrophages supported myoblast differentiation. Metabolomics confirmed restoration of mitochondrial and redox pathways. These findings identify a recoverable constraint limiting aged muscle repair.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - reverse-phase, Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - reverse-phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS15312 | MetaboLights | 2026-08-13

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights