Repurposing Approved Drugs for Sarcopenia Based on Transcriptomics Data in Humans

Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and decreased physical performance, is a growing public health challenge amid the rapidly ageing population. As there are no approved drugs that target sarcopenia, it has become increasingly urgent to identify promising pharmacological interventions. In this study, we conducted an integrative drug repurposing analysis utilizing three distinct approaches. Firstly, we analyzed skeletal muscle transcriptomic sequencing data in humans and mice using gene differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. Subsequently, we employed gene expression profile similarity assessment, hub gene expression reversal, and disease-related pathway enrichment to identify and repurpose candidate drugs, followed by the integration of findings with rank aggregation algorithms. Vorinostat, the top-ranking drug, was also validated in an in vitro study, which demonstrated its efficacy in promoting muscle fiber formation. Although still requiring further validation in animal models and human clinical trials, these results suggest a promising drug repurposing prospect in the treatment and prevention of sarcopenia.

Automated summary

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by age-related muscle loss, is a growing public health concern. This study used different approaches to identify potential drugs for repurposing, including analysis of gene expression in skeletal muscle, assessment of drug similarity, and validation in vitro. Vorinostat was found to be a promising drug for promoting muscle fiber formation. Although further validation is needed, this suggests a potential strategy for treating and preventing sarcopenia.