STC2 Overexpression Elongates Myotube Length during Muscle Differentiation

The <i>Stanniocalcin 2</i> (<i>STC2</i>) gene regulates various physiological processes, including cellular growth, metabolism, and stress responses in different cell types. Despite its abundant expression in skeletal muscles, the detailed role and function of <i>STC2</i> in skeletal muscle differentiation are not yet fully understood. In this study, an <i>STC2</i> expression vector was transfected into quail muscle cells to investigate its role and regulatory mechanisms during muscle formation. <i>STC2</i>-overexpressing (OE) cells formed morphologically longer myotubes and exhibited an increased average myotube length compared to control cells. Furthermore, <i>STC2</i>-OE cells formed longer myotubes with a higher number of nuclei. To investigate the mechanisms of <i>STC2</i> in muscle differentiation, the mRNA expression levels of various genes known to regulate muscle differentiation and maturation were compared. Among them, the expression of <i>FERM domain containing kindlin 2</i> (<i>FERMT2</i>) was significantly upregulated in <i>STC2</i>-OE cells on day 2 compared to control cells. <i>STC2</i> may regulate myotube length by mediating <i>FERMT2</i> which is essential for myotube fusion. This study provides valuable insights into the role of <i>STC2</i> in myogenesis, potentially enhancing our understanding of muscle-related diseases and improving poultry muscle production.