Mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle

这项研究建议旨在继续我们正在进行的工作，调查肌肉由于定期进行锻炼而发生的适应。我们使用细胞生物学、生化和分子方法来理解这一过程。肌肉对运动的一个重要适应是它在细胞内产生能量(ATP)的能力提高，称为线粒体。线粒体是细胞的“动力库”，因为它产生肌肉收缩和维持耐力所需的能量。经常进行的体力活动(即锻炼)会增加肌肉细胞的线粒体含量，这是一种适应，可以减少疲劳，改善各级体力活动的新陈代谢。相反，作为对活动减少的反应，线粒体的含量下降。众所周知，这些适应发生在包括人类在内的各种动物物种中。这是如何发生的，目前还不完全清楚。这一建议的目的是从基因转录水平、mRNA稳定性和肌肉细胞内线粒体运动的控制等方面来研究我们认为是线粒体合成和周转的重要新方面。所有这些问题对于推进我们致力于了解线粒体在肌肉中的功能以及运动的影响的研究计划都是至关重要的。

This research proposal is designed to continue our ongoing work in investigating the adaptations that take place in muscle as a result of regularly performed exercise. We use cell biology, biochemical and molecular approaches to understanding this process. A major adaptation that is well established in muscle in response to exercise is its improved ability to produce energy (ATP) within the cellular compartment called the mitochondrion. The mitochondrion is the "Powerhouse" of the cell, because it generates energy required for muscle to contract, and for endurance to be sustained. Regularly performed physical activity (i.e. exercise) produces an increase in the mitochondrial content of muscle cells, an adaptation that results in reduced fatigue and improved metabolism at all levels of physical activity. In contrast, in response to reduced activity, mitochondrial content declines. These adaptations are known to occur across a wide range of animal species, including humans. How this takes place is not fully understood. This purpose of this proposal is to investigate what we believe are important new aspects of mitochondrial synthesis and turnover at the level of gene transcription, mRNA stability, and the control of mitochondrial movements within muscle cells. All of these issues are critical in advancing our research program devoted to understanding how mitochondria function in muscle, and the effects of exercise.