Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of long non-coding RNAs and transcription factors and modulation of their expression for use in medicine and agriculture, such as the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with muscle atrophy and the production of livestock. More particularly, the invention provides agonists of Cytor, a long non-coding RNA, e.g. agents that increase the amount of Cytor RNA in skeletal muscle as well as antagonists for Teadl, a transcription factor, e.g. agents that decrease the amount of Teadl RNA or protein in skeletal muscle and their use in therapy.

Abstract: To vitrify a sample, for example a biological sample which has a high water content, without the formation of ice crystals, the sample (10) is placed in a closed test chamber (11) having a chamber outlet (35). The chamber (11), with the sample therein, is filled with a primary fluid without cooling the sample to freezing temperature. This primary fluid may be an alcohol. The sample is vitrified by applying a high-pressure cryogenic fluid against the sample at a substantial pressure. The step of maintaining the pressure is accomplished, in accordance with the invention, by maintaining the outlet (35) from the chamber (11) at least essentially closed by a closing element, typically a valve (41), until the pressure within the sample chamber (11) has reached a predetermined value. The primary fluid may be a portion of the cryogenic fluid itself, for example heated, or even cooled, to an appropriate temperature which, however, will not cause the sample to freeze.