Nuclear Apoptosis Contributes to Sarcopenia

In Brief Apoptosis results in DNA fragmentation and, subsequently, destruction of cells containing a single nucleus. Our hypothesis is that multinucleated cells such as muscle fibers can experience apoptotic-induced loss of single nuclei (nuclear apoptosis) without destruction of the entire fiber. The loss of nuclei likely contributes to atrophy and sarcopenia. Furthermore, increased chronic activity attenuates apoptotic signaling, which may reduce sarcopenia. Sarcopenia appears to involve selective loss of nuclei involving signaling from both intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.