Masseter Muscle in MDX mice - Antonarakis's group

Researchers from the CR2M, within the team of Prof. Gregory S. Antonarakis, have published a new study in Scientific Reports:

Persistent tissue regeneration and transforming growth factor-β induced fibrosis in the masseter muscle of mdx5Cv mice. 

Aouatef Ait-Lounis, Laurence A. Neff, Stavros Kiliaridis, Bernhard Wehrle-Haller, Olivier M. Dorchies & Gregory S. Antonarakis.

Scientific Reports, 15:33503.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-17154-3

This study provides the first longitudinal characterization of the masseter muscle in the mdx5Cv mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The authors demonstrate persistent degeneration–regeneration cycles and progressive fibrosis associated with increased fibro-adipogenic progenitors and enhanced TGF-β signaling.

These findings highlight the importance of orofacial muscle involvement in DMD and contribute to a better understanding of fibrotic mechanisms in dystrophic muscle.