The augmentative action of taurine on the differentiation of C2C12 cells to myotube

Abstract

Background/AimIncomplete muscular development is induced by deficiency of taurine that is endogenously and abundantly supplied thought placenta and milk via a specific transporter (TAUT). This study investigated the influence of taurine on the differentiation of myoblast.MethodConfluent mice myoblast (C2C12) cell was exposed to up to 20mM taurine with a differentiation medium for up to a week. The differentiation markers were evaluated by RT‐qPCR, fluorescence immunohistochemical stain or Western blot. The influences of cellular taurine uptake inhibition on the myoblast differentiation were also examined.ResultThe fusion index and maximal diameter in the MHC‐positive myotubes were significantly increased, in particular 6‐fold in 20mM taurine, compared to those in 0mM taurine. The phosphorylations of Akt and p38MAPK were increased and decreased, respectively, by taurine. Furthermore, the expression of myostatin protein was suppressed by taurine exposure. The differentiations in exposing to 20mM taurine were significantly inhibited by taut siRNA or β‐alanine; a taurine transport competitor.ConclusionExogenous taurine might play a key role on the skeletal muscle differentiation during development period. The effects of taurine should contribute the recovery from muscle damages and differentiation of satellite cells.