Myosin light chain 3f attenuates age-induced decline in contractile velocity in MHC type II single muscle fibers

Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and impaired contractility (e.g., decline in force, velocity, and power). Although the slowing of contraction speed in aging muscle is well described, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the decrement in speed are unknown. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms are the primary molecules determining contractile velocity; however, the contraction speed of single fibers within a given MHC isoform type is variable. Recent evidence proposes that the decline in shortening velocity (Vo) with aging is associated with a decrease in the relative content of essential myosin light chain 3f (MLC _3f) isoform. In the current study, we first evaluated the relative content of MLC _3f isoform and Vo in adult and old rats. We then used recombinant adenovirus (rAd) gene transfer technology to increase MLC _3f protein content in the MHC type II semimembranosus muscle (SM). We hypothesized that (i) aging would decrease the relative MLC _3f content and Vo in type II fibers, and (ii) increasing the MLC _3f content would restore the age-induced decline in Vo. We found that there was an age-related decrement in relative MLC _3f content and Vo in MHC type II fibers. Increasing MLC _3f content, as indicated by greater % MLC _3f and MLC _3f/MLC _2f ratio, provided significant protection against age-induced decline in Vo without influencing fiber diameter, force generation, MHC isoform distribution, or causing cellular damage. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first data to demonstrate positive effects of MLC _3f against slowing of contractile function in aged skeletal muscle.