Based on the knowledge that mitochondrial oxidative stress can directly activate proteolytic and atrophy signaling pathways in skeletal muscle62,64, it was hypothesized that mitochondrial targeted therapies that reduce oxidative stress and/or prevent the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mediator of cytochrome c release and subsequent cell death)65 might prevent the negative effects of CKD serum. Here, CYCS is linked to chronic kidney disease.