Stem cell biology of aging is the topic of a new research group

Muscle stem cells, also known as satellite cells, are essential for the regeneration of skeletal muscle. However, with increasing age and in aging-associated diseases, not only the number of muscle stem cells but also their functionality decreases significantly. This is caused on the one hand by intrinsic changes in the muscle stem cells but also by changes in the muscle stem cell niche as well as by systemic factors. The interplay of these different changes, which occur with increasing age and in various diseases such as cachexia (cancer-induced muscle atrophy), leads to the skeletal muscle being less able to regenerate, which is associated with reduced functionality.

The von Maltzahn group is investigating intrinsic differences between old and young muscle stem cells as well as those related to changes in the stem cell niche and signaling pathways that are altered in old muscle stem cells. Scientists are looking for ways to "rejuvenate" aged muscle by interfering with these signaling pathways. Alterations in muscle stem cells resulting from cachexia are also a topic of interest for researchers with the goal of improving skeletal muscle regeneration in cachexia. Furthermore, they are looking for ways to counteract cancer-induced muscle atrophy and to induce myogenic differentiation in rhabdomyosarcomas.

Julia von Maltzahn has been Professor of Stem Cell Biology of Aging at the Brandenburg University of Technology since April 1, 2022. At the beginning of this year, the research group started the experimental work at the Senftenberg site.