New compound boosts natural muscle repair protein to combat age-related decline

Scientists have developed a compound that enhances a key muscle-repair protein, significantly improving its ability to bind to receptors and resist age-related degradation. Early tests in mice show promise for reversing muscle weakness associated with aging. The discovery could lead to therapies that maintain physical strength and mobility in older adults.

In November 2026, researchers at Kyushu University in Japan, led by Professor Ryuichi Tatsumi, discovered a compound that enhances the natural muscle-repair protein hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming it into a more effective variant dubbed "Super HGF." The breakthrough centers on two trisulfide compounds—glutathione trisulfide (GSSSG) and lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS)—which were tested for their ability to protect HGF from age-related nitration at critical sites Y198 and Y250. These modifications impair HGF’s binding to the c-met receptor on satellite cells, disrupting muscle regeneration. At a molar ratio of 1:8000 (compound to HGF), the compounds significantly reduced nitration and more than doubled HGF’s ability to bind to c-met, restoring functional capacity in lab settings. The findings were published in *Scientific Reports*, marking a shift from merely replacing lost proteins to enhancing existing ones. Prior research by Tatsumi’s team had already identified nitration as a key factor in declining muscle repair with age, prompting the investigation into antioxidant trisulfides as protective agents. The goal is to preserve physical strength and mobility in aging populations by bolstering the body’s innate regenerative mechanisms rather than relying on external interventions. What remains unresolved is whether these effects will translate to humans, how long protection lasts, and whether chronic use of such compounds poses unforeseen risks. Clinical trials are n