The sympathetic nervous system regulates skeletal muscle motor innervation and acetylcholine receptor stability

Abstract

The SNS regulates NMJ transmission, maintains optimal Gα_i2 expression, and prevents any increase in Hdac4, myogenin, MuRF1, and miR-206. SNS ablation leads to upregulation of MuRF1, muscle atrophy, and downregulation of postsynaptic AChR. Our findings are relevant to clinical conditions characterized by progressive decline of sympathetic innervation, such as neurodegenerative diseases and aging.