Chinese Academy of Sciences develops autonomous muscle graft

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a laboratory-grown muscle graft that can contract autonomously under the skin. The study, published in ‘Nature Aging’, involved transplanting six million stem cells derived from a mouse's own quadriceps to prevent rejection.

The implanted tissue successfully organized into recognizable fibers and developed its own blood vessels. In 18-month-old mice, the graft functioned without external stimulation, releasing proteins and chemical signals typically associated with physical movement.

Following the transplant, treated mice showed increased lean mass, improved running endurance, stronger grip, and denser bone density compared to control groups. Additionally, the animals exhibited reduced inflammation markers, lower liver fat accumulation, and higher daily energy expenditure.