Skeletal muscle retains a 'molecular memory' of repeated disuse, study finds
Medical Xpress
February 25, 2026
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Skeletal muscles retain a "molecular memory" of repeated disuse, according to new research published in *Advanced Science*. This memory, which influences how muscles respond to periods of inactivity, differs significantly between young and old muscles. The study highlights that muscle atrophy—loss of muscle mass and strength due to inactivity—is not just a temporary issue but is also shaped by the muscle's previous experiences of disuse.
Muscle atrophy is a common problem after illness, injury, hospitalization, or falls, particularly as people age. Inactive muscles lose their ability to repair and maintain themselves effectively over time. The study reveals that skeletal muscles store molecular information about past periods of inactivity, which affects their ability to recover. This "memory" could explain why some individuals find it harder to regain muscle mass after extended periods of immobility.
The research found that young muscles are more resilient and can recover better from disuse compared to older muscles. Younger muscles have a stronger molecular response to reactivation, while older muscles exhibit weaker signaling pathways, making recovery slower and less effective. This difference underscores the importance of age-related changes in muscle function and their impact on recovery outcomes.
Understanding this molecular memory could lead to new strategies for preventing or reversing muscle atrophy, particularly in older adults who are more prone to prolonged immobility. It also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that account for these age-related differences in muscle response. This study provides valuable insights into why muscle loss becomes more challenging to combat as we get older and highlights the importance of maintaining physical activity to preserve muscle health.
Overall, this research underscores the complexity
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/25/2026