About this Research Topic
Musculoskeletal degeneration represents the most drastic and significant change that occurs during the aging process. Despite the growing concern to address this issue in aging interventions, most studies tend to focus solely on observing the degenerative clinical phenomena, with little attention given to the examination of the specific cellular mechanisms of degeneration. Cellular senescence is characterized as an irreversible cell cycle arrest resulting from persistent exogenous and endogenous stress causing damage to the cells. Senescent cells are typical products of cellular aging with specific biological properties and functions. Studies conducted recently have shown that senescent cells play a significant role in musculoskeletal degeneration, with their presence increasing rapidly in degenerative skeletal muscles. Although treatment strategies involving rapamycin, dimethyldigua, and dasatinib + quercetin, have been proposed to combat this degeneration by targeting senescent cells, further extensive research is still needed to develop effective solutions and applications. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cellular senescence in musculoskeletal diseases will provide exciting new insights into the understanding and prevention of musculoskeletal degeneration.
This Research Topic aims to initiate research and discussions into the etiology, molecular regulation mechanisms, potential solutions and therapeutic tools related to musculoskeletal degeneration. Our primary focus will be on exploring the issue related to aging in this field. Therefore, we welcome submissions of Original Research articles and Reviews regarding musculoskeletal degeneration that focus on, but are not limited to, the following aspects:
1. Basic and clinical research on DMDs, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and other related diseases;
2. Examine the potential cellular mechanisms involved in regulating musculoskeletal metabolism;
3. To investigate the relevant role played by cellular senescence in musculoskeletal degeneration and the progress of aging-related signaling pathways;
4. Identify potential protein targets that could be used for the treatment of musculoskeletal degeneration;
5. Identify and evaluate potential clinical drugs and the underlying mechanisms that affect musculoskeletal degeneration.
Keywords: aging, molecular mechanisms, new therapeutic targets, musculoskeletal degeneration
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.