Show-Me State Times

Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a potential treatment for sarcopenia, a condition marked by a significant decrease in muscle size and strength that affects nearly half of adults over the age of 80. This discovery involved a small molecule drug that targets a specific serotonin receptor. The findings may pave the way for the first neurotherapeutic treatment of sarcopenia, benefiting older adults who face increased risk of falls and declining quality of life.

W. David Arnold, executive director of the University of Missouri System’s NextGen Precision Health initiative and a professor in the School of Medicine, stated, “What many people don’t realize is that grip strength is actually a better predictor of health outcomes and even lifespan than factors such as blood pressure.” He further noted that the study revealed, “This was the first time we have ever shown that a drug can successfully help motor neurons, the final cell that communicates between the nervous system and muscle, to fire more effectively, signal muscle contraction and improve muscle strength. So, this is an exciting breakthrough in our mission to help older adults with sarcopenia.”

The research team, led by postdoctoral researcher Nathan Kerr, demonstrated that the small molecule drug improves the reliability of motor neuron firing. This capability could accelerate its transition from research to clinical trials, particularly with the facilities available at Mizzou’s Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building.

Arnold explained that age-related muscle weakness is primarily due to the decreased ability of motor neurons to fire repetitively, rather than a reduction in their numbers. “In this study we were able to show that this small molecule drug can activate motor neurons to make them more able to fire repetitively, which was a huge breakthrough,” he said.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond immediate clinical applications. It may assist researchers in developing other molecular candidates to replicate the drug's effect. “If we can make neurotherapeutics become widely available, it can improve the quality of life for so many older adults by improving their strength and balance, helping them stay mobile and independent as they age,” Arnold added.

The study, with Nathan Kerr as the lead author, was supported by the National Institute on Aging.