Modulation of muscle and adipocyte distribution and fate

Abstract

Modulation of the ADAMTS1 signaling pathway alters the commitment of progenitor cells to a muscle fate; and increases muscle mass.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of modulating metabolism relating to insulin use, the method comprising:
 administering to an individual in need of modulating metabolism relating to insulin use an effective dose of a purified active fragment of human ADAMTS1 protein comprising SEQ ID NO:1, residues 258-463; thereby contacting a population of human muscle satellite cells, wherein the dose is effective to modulate metabolism relating to insulin use in the individual.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the active fragment of human ADAMTS1 protein comprises the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the active fragment lacks ADAMTS1 C-terminal portion from residues 725-967. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the active fragment is administered by intramuscular injection. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the active fragment consists of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the individual is suffering from insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or type II diabetes. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the contacting is performed on an ex vivo cell population. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the stem cell is a stem or progenitor cell with muscle potential. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the muscle stem cell is a satellite cell. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the satellite cell is activated by contacting with the ADAMTS1 protein or an active fragment thereof.