Research Projects

The progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, a condition causing increased mortality and frailty, is primarily due to the unbalanced synthesis of myofibers versus their degradation. Despite numerous natural and synthetic drugs being tested to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy, they have limited in vivo efficacy due to limited biodistribution and lack of ability to target SkM cells. The biodistribution problem can be overcome using nano-drug targeted and delivery systems. The current study proposes designing targeted nano-niosomes to increase the bioavailability and sustained release of SAC and palmatine in the targeted skeletal muscle. The nano-niosomes will be prepared using non-ionic surfactants, SAC/palmatine, and M12 peptide/carnitine. The myogenic efficacy of nano-niosomes will be tested in the C2C12 cell line, while the anti-atrophic efficacy will be tested in a denervated model. The affected signaling pathways related to skeletal muscle atrophy will be analyzed in control and nano-niosomes treated animal models of SkM atrophy. The biodistribution of palmatine and SAC to different organs results in the loss of the required concentration needed in skeletal muscles for proper action. The development of nano-niosomes containing SAC and palmatine coupled with SkM cell recognizing sequences like M12 peptide, carnitine, or aptamers will increase their systemic delivery to SkM and increase the efficacy of these compounds to counteract SkM atrophy. The developed delivery system can also be used to deliver other drugs to SkM cells.