Quantitative and qualitative regulation of mitochondria by "exercise-responsive genes of undefined function"

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H03332
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59020:Sports sciences-related
• Research Institution: Nippon Sport Science University
• Principal Investigator: Tamura Yuki 日本体育大学, 体育学部, 准教授 (20794978)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ミトコンドリア / 骨格筋 / エネルギー代謝

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Mitochondria are organelles responsible for energy production within cells and play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. A decrease in the quantity and function of mitochondria in skeletal muscle is associated with conditions such as muscle atrophy and metabolic diseases, highlighting the need for their improvement. While exercise and training are known to effectively enhance mitochondrial function, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we focused on the lncRNA 2810030D12Rik to investigate a novel regulatory mechanism of mitochondrial function. Our findings revealed that 2810030D12Rik negatively regulates mitochondrial function by enhancing the activity of complex IV in the electron transport chain.

Free Research Field

スポーツ科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

骨格筋のミトコンドリアの量や機能を向上させることは、アスリートの持久的運動能力の向上に寄与する。一方でミトコンドリアの量・機能の低下は、骨格筋萎縮や代謝性疾患の原因となることが指摘されている。よって、骨格筋のミトコンドリアの機能は一般人でも高く保つことが健康の維持増進に不可欠である。本研究で、骨格筋のミトコンドリアの機能を制御する新たなメカニズムの一端を明らかにできたことで、今後は、効果的な運動療法や運動の代替法の開発に発展できる。