30% caloric restriction and skeletal muscle gene expression in rhesus monkeys
In a cross-sectional study of rhesus monkeys, 30% caloric restriction was linked to widespread differences in skeletal muscle gene expression and alternative splicing, including pathways of energy metabolism and immune response. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The study compared skeletal muscle gene expression in 18 rhesus monkeys on 30% caloric restriction and 18 controls using RNA sequencing. [1]
Overexpressed genes were mainly linked to energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, signaling and oxidative stress response; underexpressed genes to immune response, extracellular matrix organization, apoptosis and ribosomal RNA processing. [1]
Alternative splicing is identified as a major mechanism by which caloric restriction modulates genes involved in muscle function, metabolism and aging. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Cross-sectional study (abstract only)
- Population / context
- Rhesus monkeys: 18 on 30% caloric restriction and 18 controls.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- May 8, 2026
Cross-sectional muscle gene study in rhesus monkeys
The abstract describes a cross-sectional study of skeletal muscle in rhesus monkeys: 18 animals on 30% caloric restriction and 18 controls. Caloric restriction here means reduced energy intake without malnutrition. The researchers used high-depth RNA sequencing to profile gene expression and alternative splicing variants and to look for pathways linked to aging, regeneration and degeneration, and energy metabolism. Because the design is cross-sectional, the groups were compared at one point rather than followed over time.
Supporting source [1]
Over- and underexpressed genes in restricted monkeys
The transcriptomic profiling showed widespread gene expression differences between the restricted animals and controls. Overexpressed genes were mainly involved in energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, signaling and oxidative stress response. Underexpressed genes were connected to immune response, extracellular matrix organization, apoptosis and ribosomal RNA processing. The abstract also identifies alternative splicing as a major mechanism by which caloric restriction modulates genes involved in muscle function, metabolism and aging. These are associations in gene expression, not proof that restriction causes these changes or extends lifespan.
Supporting source [1]
Abstract-only scope and open questions
The conclusion states that caloric restriction preserves skeletal muscle by enhancing metabolism, limiting degeneration and inflammation, and engaging mechanisms conserved across species. However, this explainer is based only on the abstract; the full text was not reviewed. The abstract does not report the animals' ages, the duration of restriction, muscle function or strength outcomes, or statistical details. It also does not show that the gene expression patterns translate into human health or lifespan benefits.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
This explainer is based only on the abstract; the full text was not reviewed. The abstract does not report animal ages, restriction duration, muscle function or strength outcomes, or statistical details, and it does not establish human health or lifespan benefits.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Das JK, Banskota N, Donega S, Shehadeh N, Piao Y, Price N, Mattison JA, Candia J, de Cabo R, Ferrucci L. · europepmc.org · May 8, 2026