Fractalkine is a key player in skeletal muscle metabolism and pathophysiology, 2025, Gourabamani Swalsingh

Mij

Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Abstract

Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is increasingly recognised for its role in regulating the metabolism of various tissues, including skeletal muscle. The circulating level of CX3CL1 is influenced by multiple organs including the brain, adipose tissue and immune cells, with skeletal muscles emerging as a significant source.

Growing evidence shows that CX3CL1 modulates muscle metabolism through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms as well as influencing properties (i.e. migration, secretion, cellular communication) of local immune cells. Within skeletal muscle, CX3CL1-signaling is involved in the regulation of fibre-type composition, mitochondrial remodeling, local inflammation, and regenerative capacity. These actions affect muscle plasticity and adaptability in both resting and active states. CX3CL1 also facilitates substrate uptake, particularly glucose and lipids, by interacting synergistically with insulin-signaling pathways, especially during metabolic stress or exercise.

Furthermore, CX3CL1 contributes to the coordination of skeletal muscle function with other key metabolic organs such as adipose tissue, liver and brain. Notably, CX3CL1 appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), insulin resistance (IR) and arthritis.

These findings underscore the relevance of CX3CL1 in both health and disease. Here, we critically assess recent advances in CX3CL1 research, including its mechanism of action, and explore its potential implications in physiological and pathological scenarios.
LINK
 

Role of CX3XL1 in skeletal muscle during chronic illness

Recent research reveals a strong association between elevated circulatory CX3CL1 levels and several long-term diseases, including T2D, obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and arthritis. Mild to moderate levels of chronic inflammation is present in all of these conditions and known to influence their pathRogenesis. So, the involvement of an immunomodulatory factor such as CX3CL1 in these processes might be anticipated (Fig. 4). However, the effect of higher circulatory CX3CL1 levels on skeletal muscle under the above conditions has not been discussed carefully.
 
Back
Top Bottom