AMP-activated protein kinase stimulates myostatin expression in C2C12 cells

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle; AMPK induces muscle protein degradation but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Myostatin is a powerful negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass and growth in mammalian species. We hypothesized that AMPK stimulates myostatin expression, which provides an explanation for the negative role of AMPK in muscle growth. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that AMPK stimulates myostatin expression using C2C12 cells as a model. Activation of AMPK by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-riboruranoside (AICAR) dramatically increased the mRNA expression and protein content of myostatin in C2C12 myotubes, and to a lesser degree in myoblasts. Metformin, another AMPK activator, also stimulated myostatin expression at low concentrations. In addition, ectopic expression of AMPK wild-type α subunit (enhancing AMPK activity) and AMPK K45R mutant (knockdown AMPK activity) enhanced and reduced myostatin expression, respectively. These results indicate that AMPK stimulates myostatin expression in C2C12 cells, providing an explanation for the negative effect of AMPK on muscle growth.

► For the first time, we reported that AMPK enhances myostatin expression. ► Metformin, a common anti-diabetic drug, enhances myostatin expression. ► Knockout AMPK reduces myostatin expression in muscle cells. ► AMPK regulates muscle growth at least partially through enhancing myostatin expression.