Transitions in Gene Activity during Development of Muscle Fibersa

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Abstract
One of the fundamental aspects of skeletal muscle differentiation is activation of the gene programs coding for muscle-specific proteins. This transition encompasses gene products both directly and indirectly involved in skeletal muscles' contractile and developmental activities. This review article therefore examines unique gene transitions in myofibrillar proteins, sarcoplasmic reticulum, acetylcholine receptors, energy metabolism, cell membrane fusion and nucleic acid metabolism. In nearly all cases there is direct evidence that muscle differentiation is accomplished by synthesis of gene products unique to muscle fibers rather than by stimulation of genes that are already active in replicating myogenic precursor cells and non-muscle cells. Copyright © 1979. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1979 by American Society of Animal Science.