Background. Unloading stress induces skeletal muscle
atrophy. We have reported that Cbl-b
ubiquitin ligase is a master regulator of unloading-associated
muscle atrophy. The present study was designed to elucidate whether dietary soy
glycinin protein prevents
denervation-mediated
muscle atrophy, based on the presence of inhibitory
peptides against Cbl-b
ubiquitin ligase in soy
glycinin protein. Methods. Mice were fed either 20%
casein diet, 20%
soy protein isolate diet, 10%
glycinin diet containing 10%
casein, or 20%
glycinin diet. One week later, the right sciatic nerve was cut. The wet weight, cross sectional area (CSA),
IGF-1 signaling, and atrogene expression in hindlimb muscles were examined at 1, 3, 3.5, or 4 days after
denervation. Results. 20% soy
glycinin diet significantly prevented
denervation-induced decreases in muscle wet weight and myofiber CSA. Furthermore, dietary
soy protein inhibited
denervation-induced ubiquitination and degradation of IRS-1 in tibialis anterior muscle. Dietary soy
glycinin partially suppressed the
denervation-mediated expression of atrogenes, such as MAFbx/atrogin-1 and MuRF-1, through the protection of
IGF-1 signaling estimated by phosphorylation of Akt-1. Conclusions. Soy
glycinin contains a functional inhibitory sequence against
muscle-atrophy-associated
ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b. Dietary soy
glycinin protein significantly prevented
muscle atrophy after
denervation in mice.