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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Measurement of Mitochondrial Respiration in Human and Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers by High-Resolution Respirometry
Published on: October 4, 2024
Mitochondrial biogenesis in exercise and in ageing.
Jose Viña1, Mari Carmen Gomez-Cabrera, Consuelo Borras
1Department of Physiology, University of Valencia, Spain. jose.vina@uv.es
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|September 1, 2009
Summary
Mitochondrial biogenesis is key for cell function and aging. Exercise may boost it, but its effectiveness in older individuals and its link to age-related muscle loss require further study.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Aging Research
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Mitochondria are vital for cellular function, with their levels determined by synthesis and degradation.
- Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular aging, acting as both a source and target of free radicals.
- Both aging and exercise significantly impact mitochondrial function and cellular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis and age-related impairments.
- To investigate the potential of exercise to counteract age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Review of the PGC-1alpha-NRF1-TFAM pathway regulating mitochondrial synthesis.
- Analysis of exercise's impact on mitochondriogenesis in young versus old animals.
- Consideration of impaired mitochondrial biogenesis in aging leading to muscle sarcopenia.
Main Results:
- The PGC-1alpha-NRF1-TFAM pathway stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis.
- This pathway is impaired during the aging process.
- Exercise's effect on mitochondrial biogenesis in older animals is uncertain.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial biogenesis is essential for cellular health and is modulated by aging and exercise.
- Age-related impairment of mitochondrial pathways may contribute to sarcopenia.
- Further research is needed to clarify exercise's benefits for mitochondrial biogenesis in aging.
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