Comprehensive Analyses of Muscle Function, Lean and Muscle Mass, and Myofiber Typing in Mice

Abstract

Skeletal muscle disorders commonly affect the function and integrity of muscles. Novel interventions bring new potential to rescue or alleviate the symptoms associated with these disorders. In vivo and in vitro testing in mouse models allows quantitative evaluation of the degree of muscle dysfunction, and therefore, the level of potential rescue/restoration by the target intervention. Several resources and methods are available to assess muscle function and lean and muscle mass, as well as myofiber typing as separate concepts; however, a technical resource unifying these methods is missing. Here, we provide detailed procedures for analyzing muscle function, lean and muscle mass, and myofiber typing in a comprehensive technical resource paper. Graphical abstract.

Keywords: Lean and muscle mass; Muscle cross sectional area; Muscle force; Muscle function; Myofiber type; Skeletal muscle.