Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
06:20
Exon Skipping in Directly Reprogrammed Myotubes Obtained from Human Urine-Derived Cells
Published on: May 7, 2020
Effects of downhill treadmill running on uncoupling protein 3 mRNA expression
R W Bryner1, D A Donley, R G Cutlip
1Laboratory of Muscle, Sarcopenia and Muscle Diseases, Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-9227, USA. rbryner@hsc.wvu.edu
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 4, 2004
Summary
Downhill running, a form of eccentric exercise, significantly increased uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) mRNA expression in rat plantaris muscles. This suggests eccentric exercise may up-regulate UCP3 mRNA during muscle repair.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Skeletal Muscle Research
Background:
- Eccentric exercise can cause muscle injury and increase oxidative stress.
- Oxidative stress is known to up-regulate uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) mRNA expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of downhill running on skeletal muscle UCP3 mRNA expression.
- To determine if eccentric exercise influences UCP3 mRNA levels.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four male rats were subjected to different downhill running protocols (continuous or intermittent bouts) on a declined treadmill.
- Sham control animals were used for comparison.
- Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was employed to measure UCP3 mRNA levels in plantaris and tibialis anterior muscles.
Main Results:
- UCP3 mRNA expression in the plantaris muscle was significantly higher in the 2-minute rest interval group compared to controls.
- UCP3 mRNA expression in the tibialis anterior muscle was significantly lower in the continuous running group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Downhill treadmill running, characterized by eccentric contractions, is associated with increased UCP3 mRNA expression in the plantaris muscle.
- These findings suggest that exercise biased toward eccentric contractions may up-regulate UCP3 mRNA during the post-exercise period of muscle damage and repair.
Related Concept Videos
02:27Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay
The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability