Muscle cells have their own circadian clocks that play a crucial role in regulating protein turnover, muscle growth, and function. Disrupting these intrinsic muscle clocks, as seen in shift workers, can have a profound impact on aging, according to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers from King’s College London used zebrafish in their study to investigate the effects of circadian disruption on muscle cells. They found that impairing the muscle clock function in zebrafish led to premature aging effects, such as decreased muscle size, weight loss, reduced mobility, and overall decline in muscle function.
One of the key findings of the study was that the muscle clock regulates the degradation of defective proteins during rest at night, essential for maintaining muscle mass and function. The accumulation of defective proteins due to disrupted circadian rhythms may contribute to accelerated muscle decline observed in aged fish with dysfunctional muscle clocks and in shift workers.
The research team highlighted the importance of understanding how circadian disruption contributes to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by age-related muscle decline. They suggested that developing strategies to improve the health and well-being of shift workers is crucial, as approximately four million shift workers in the UK are affected by circadian disruptions.
The study also opened up possibilities for using circadian biology to develop treatments aimed at preventing muscle decline in shift workers. Preclinical studies using drugs to modulate specific clock proteins are currently underway, paving the way for future therapies that could improve aging in shift workers.
Co-author Professor Simon Hughes emphasized the significance of studying muscle growth in simple systems like zebrafish to gain insights that could potentially benefit humans. While further research is needed to validate these findings in humans, the study provides valuable information on the impact of circadian disruption on muscle health and aging.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the intricate relationship between circadian clocks, muscle health, and accelerated aging in shift workers. By understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes, researchers hope to develop targeted interventions to improve the well-being of individuals working non-traditional hours.
