A diarylheptanoid derivative mediates glycogen synthase kinase 3β to promote the porcine muscle satellite cell proliferation: Implications for cultured meat production

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2024-12, Vol.736, p.150850, Article 150850
• Main Authors: Suriya, Utid, Srikuea, Ratchakrit, Chokpanuwat, Tanida, Suksen, Kanoknetr, Watcharanapapan, Wasina, Saleepimol, Palida, Laohasinnarong, Dusit, Suksamrarn, Apichart, Myint, Kyaw Zwar, Janvilisri, Tavan, Chairoungdua, Arthit, Bhukhai, Kanit
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell proliferation; Cell Proliferation - drug effects; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cells, Cultured; Cultured meat; Diarylheptanoids - chemistry; Diarylheptanoids - pharmacology; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta - antagonists & inhibitors; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta - metabolism; GSK3β inhibitor; In Vitro Meat; Molecular docking; Pax7; Porcine satellite cells; Pyridines - pharmacology; Pyrimidines; Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle - cytology; Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle - drug effects; Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle - metabolism; Swine; Wnt Signaling Pathway - drug effects; Wnt/β-catenin signaling
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150850

Skeletal muscle stem cells, or satellite cells, are vital for cultured meat production, driving proliferation and differentiation to form muscle fibers in vitro. However, these abilities are often compromised after long-term in vitro culturing due to a loss of their stemness characteristics. Therefore, effective pharmacological agents that enhance satellite cell proliferation and maintain stemness ability are needed for optimal cell growth for cultured meat production. In this study, the effects of the identified glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitors, ASPP 049, a diarylheptanoid isolated from Curcuma comosa rhizomes, and CHIR 99021 on porcine muscle satellite cell (PMSC) proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were investigated. We found that both compounds enhanced cell viability and proliferation while preserving the stemness marker, as evidenced by increased expression of the skeletal muscle stem cell marker, Pax7 protein. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that ASPP 049 and CHIR 99021 exhibited differing binding affinities, primarily through hydrophobic interactions, suggesting potential for the design of more potent inhibitors in the future. Despite its weaker binding, ASPP 049 still showed significant effects on the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via increased phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9 and decreased the phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41, thereby subsequently activating Wnt transcriptional activity. This study highlights the potential of ASPP 049 and CHIR 99021 to enhance PMSC proliferation and maintain stemness ability, offering a promising avenue for improving cultured meat production. •Satellite cells crucial for cultured meat lose stemness after long-term culturing.•GSK3β inhibitors, ASPP 049 and CHIR 99021 boost cell viability and proliferation.•Both compounds enhance stemness marker Pax7 protein in porcine satellite cells.•Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that ASPP 049 and CHIR 99021 could form a stable complex with GSK3β but differ in binding affinities.•ASPP 049 regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, enhancing cultured meat production.