The University of Florida has invited Cristhian Montenegro to present at their muscle conference in March 2025. This conference aims to advance the field of skeletal muscle biology by promoting new ideas and collaborations. Cristhian will present his abstract “The role of fibroadipogenic progenitor cell mitochondrial transfer in skeletal muscle following ischemia-reperfusion injury”. 

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is linked to crush injuries, compartment syndrome, and peripheral vascular disease. Cristhian’s abstract discusses how fibroadipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) aid muscle regeneration and hypothesizes that they may transfer mitochondria to damaged muscle fibers, possibly via the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43). 

Experiments showed increased Cx43 expression in injured muscles, with peak mitochondrial transfer occurring around 14 days after injury. In vitro studies confirmed that beta-3 agonist-treated FAPs (bFAPs) enhance mitochondrial transfer and muscle recovery, supporting the role of Cx43 in this process.

Congratulations Cristhian! We look forward to your presentation.