Recent advances in the role of CARM1 in skeletal muscle development, metabolism, and homeostasis maintenance

The development, metabolism, and functional maintenance of skeletal muscle is a complex dynamic balance process. Its imbalance may lead to muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, and other diseases, which seriously affect human health. Therefore, in-depth exploration of the regulatory mechanisms governing skeletal muscle homeostasis and the identification of effective therapeutic targets have garnered significant attention. Recent studies reveal that the protein arginine methyltransferase <i>CARM1</i> plays a central regulatory role in skeletal muscle biology. Substantial evidence indicates that abnormal <i>CARM1</i> expression and activity disrupt muscle regeneration, metabolic balance, and stress responses, leading to muscle functional decline. This highlights its indispensable role in maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis. Furthermore, exercise-an effective intervention for improving muscle quality and function-may exert its beneficial effects through mechanisms closely linked to <i>CARM1</i> function. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the roles of <i>CARM1</i> in skeletal muscle development, regeneration, material metabolism, and homeostasis based on its molecular structure and fundamental functions. It further explores <i>CARM1's</i> functional manifestations in muscle atrophy and exercise adaptation, providing a theoretical framework for comprehensively understanding its pivotal role in physiological adaptation and muscle diseases, while evaluating its potential value as a therapeutic target.