Aging-Induced Sarcopenia Research and Drug Development Services

Aging-Induced Sarcopenia Research and Drug Development Services

Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, primarily affects older adults. It is estimated that approximately 30% of people aged 60 and above have sarcopenia, and the prevalence rises to nearly 50% among those aged 80 and above. Sarcopenia results not only from aging but also from multiple factors, including hormonal changes, physical inactivity, and chronic inflammation.

During the aging process, a variety of stressors engage various cellular signaling cascades, ultimately facilitating the progression of sarcopenia.Fig. 1 Overview of the fundamental aging mechanisms that contribute to sarcopenia. (Mankhong S, et al. 2020)

CD BioSciences provides comprehensive services to accelerate sarcopenia drug development from target identification to preclinical validation.

Pathogenic Analysis Biomarker Analysis Disease Modle Customization Drug Discovery and Development

Pathogenic Mechanism Analysis Services for Sarcopenia

Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms underlying aging-induced sarcopenia is crucial for developing effective therapeutics. At CD BioSciences, we provide comprehensive services to help clients explore and elucidate molecular and cellular changes contributing to muscle degeneration in aging populations.

  • Hormonal change analysis services. We use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and mass spectrometry-based assays to quantify levels of key hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone) in biological samples. Our data provides insight into the correlations between hormonal changes and age-related muscle loss. Our team can also design and implement longitudinal studies in aging animal models to monitor hormone levels over time and their association with muscle mass and strength decline.
  • Inflammation assessment services. Chronic inflammation contributes significantly to aging-induced sarcopenia. We help clients measure levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) in serum and analyze signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB) using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to assess their activation in muscle tissue samples.
  • Mitochondrial function evaluation services. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key contributor to aging-induced sarcopenia. We measure markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and function using qPCR and Western blotting, and assess mitochondrial activity efficiency in muscle cells.
  • Satellite cell characterization services. Satellite cells are essential for muscle regeneration. We isolate satellite cells from muscle tissue and characterize their properties using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Our services enable clients to assess the number and function of satellite cells in aging animal models.

Biomarker Analysis Services for Sarcopenia

  • Biomarker discovery services. We specialize in identifying novel biomarkers of aging-induced sarcopenia using advanced genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics technologies for early diagnosis and monitoring of sarcopenia.
  • Biomarker analysis services. We help clients detect and quantify muscle-specific biomarkers, including procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP), Type VI collagen turnover-related peptides, skeletal muscle troponin T isoforms, irisin, and cathepsin D.

Customization of Experimental Models of Sarcopenia

Our team collaborates closely with clients to customize experimental models for advancing sarcopenia research and drug development.

  • In vitro model customization services. Our scientists induce immortalized skeletal muscle cell lines to develop customized models to imitate the pathophysiology of sarcopenia by using H2O2, ceramide, palmitate, TNF-α, and dexamethasone. We offer primary skeletal muscle cells for examining the regeneration capacity of satellite cells andsingle myofibers for evaluating muscle type-specific manner. All of our models enable clients to study cellular mechanisms involved in sarcopenia.
  • Animal model customization services. We provide customized animal models, including aged rodents, senescence-accelerated mice (SAMs), CuZn superoxide dismutase knock-out (KO) mice, optic atrophy 1 KO mice, and hindlimb suspension (HLS) models, which replicate key features of aging-induced sarcopenia. We use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help clients measure changes in muscle mass and fat with aging.

Drug Discovery and Development Services for Aging-Induced Sarcopenia

The ultimate goal of our sarcopenia research services is to drive the development of effective therapeutics. At CD BioSciences, we specialize in drug discovery and development for aging-induced sarcopenia.

  • Target identification and validation services. We help clients develop drugs targeting myostatin and activin receptors, MuRF1 and atrogin-1, and sarcopenia-related pathways, such as inflammation, hormonal changes, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • Drug screening and optimization services. Based on project objectives, we support clients in identifying potential drug candidates, including small molecules (selective androgen receptor modulators, mTOR activators) to biologics (anti-myostatin antibodies).
  • In vitro and in vivo efficacy evaluation services. We offer muscle cell models to evaluate the effects of drug candidates on muscle cell proliferation, differentiation, and protein synthesis. We employ validated animal models of sarcopenia to evaluate the pharmacological effects of potential therapeutics on muscle mass, strength, and function.

Sarcopenia remains a significant barrier to healthy aging, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. At CD BioSciences, our comprehensive services equip clients with the tools to accelerate drug development for sarcopenia. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.

References

  1. Mankhong S, et al. Experimental Models of Sarcopenia: Bridging Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Strategy. Cells, 2020, 9 (6): 1385.
  2. Ackermans LLGC, et al. Screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of sarcopenia: When to use which tool? Clin Nutr ESPEN, 2022, 48: 36-44.
  3. El-Sebaie M, Elwakil W. Biomarkers of sarcopenia: an unmet need. Egypt Rheumatol Rehabi, 2023, 45.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.

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