The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: A Modulator Of Skeletal Muscle Health And Aging
Our muscles are vital for movement, metabolism, and overall health, but as we age, they naturally lose mass and function, leading to frailty and reduced independence. While factors like inactivity and inflammation contribute to this decline, recent research points to the involvement of specific cellular pathways that sense both our environment and our internal metabolic state. One such pathway involves a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR).
Historically, AHR has been studied for its role in helping the body process environmental pollutants, like those found in smoke. However, scientists are now discovering that AHR also responds to natural signals produced within our bodies, particularly those related to metabolism, which can increase with age or certain health conditions.
When AHR is continuously activated in muscle tissue, it can lead to several problems. It can hinder the ability of muscle cells to produce energy efficiently (affecting mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of our cells), promote the breakdown of muscle proteins, and even disrupt the connections between nerves and muscles.
Understanding how AHR integrates these environmental and metabolic signals is opening up new avenues for research. Studies in animal models have shown that blocking or inhibiting AHR can help preserve muscle mass, improve mitochondrial function, and support the muscle’s ability to repair itself. This suggests that targeting AHR could offer new strategies to maintain muscle health and physical function as we get older.
Source: link to paper