Wnt proteins are essential for tissue regeneration and intercellular signaling. This study focuses on Wnt7a, a protein secreted via extracellular vesicles (EVs) during muscle repair. Unlike traditional pathways, Wnt7a utilizes a unique mechanism involving a specific 18-amino acid sequence called the Exosome-Binding Peptide (EBP). EBP directs Wnt7a to EVs by binding to coatomer proteins (COPA and COPB2), which anchor the protein to the EV surface, enabling its bioactivity in long-range …

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This paper introduces a novel therapeutic approach for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) using NS-089/NCNP-02, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) designed to skip exon 44 of the dystrophin gene. DMD is a severe muscle disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to a lack of dystrophin protein. Exon skipping helps to restore the reading frame of dystrophin, enabling the production of a shorter but functional dystrophin protein. The authors focused …

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    Personal take on this article: The paper explores the vital role of mitochondria in regulating muscle stem cells, particularly satellite cells (SCs), which are crucial for skeletal muscle regeneration. Mitochondria are essential for energy production through oxidative phosphorylation (Oxphos), which supports various metabolic processes and influences SC fate, including their quiescence, activation, self-renewal, and differentiation. This study emphasizes how mitochondrial metabolism adapts to different environmental cues and its …

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