Krüppel-like factor 10 regulates the contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers in mice

Introduction/Aims: Klf10 is a member of the Krüppel-like family of transcription factors, which is implicated in mediating muscle structure (fiber size, organization of the sarcomere), muscle metabolic activity (respiratory chain), and passive force. The aim of this study was to further characterize the roles of Klf10 in the contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers. Methods: Fifty-two single fibers were extracted from female wild-type (WT) and Klf10 knockout (KO) oxidative (soleus) and glycolytic (extensor digitorum longus [EDL]) skinned muscles. Each fiber was immersed successively in relaxing (R), washing (W), and activating (A) solutions. Calcium was included in the activating solution to induce a maximum contraction of the fiber. The maximum force (F_max) was measured and normalized to the cross-sectional area to obtain the maximum stress (Stress_max). After a steady state in contraction was reached, a quick stretch-release was performed; the force at the maximum stretch (F_stretch) was measured and the stiffness was assessed. Results: Deletion of the Klf10 gene induced changes in the contractile parameters (F_max, Stress_max, Stiffness), which were lower and higher for soleus and EDL fibers compared with littermates, respectively. These measurements also revealed changes in the proportion and resistance of attached cross-bridges. Discussion: Klf10 plays a major role in the homeostasis of the contractile behavior of skeletal muscle fibers in a muscle fiber type–specific manner. These findings further implicate important roles for Klf10 in skeletal muscle function and shed new light on understanding the molecular processes regulating the contractility of skeletal muscle fibers.