The obestatin/GPR39 system: from satellite cell regulation to its applicability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

The obestatin/GPR39 system functions as a mediator of skeletal muscle determination, maintenance, and plasticity in physiological and pathological conditions. In satellite cells, the obestatin/GPR39 system acts as an autocrine factor regulating cell cycle progression and fate determination. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, obestatin signalling addresses multiple pathways needed for phenotypic amelioration, including regulation of myofibre regeneration, activation of the slow oxidative myofibre program, regulation of proteasomal signalling, stabilization of the sarcolemma and induction of corrective autophagy. The results point to the obestatin/GPR39 system as a practical and effective target for future Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapies.