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Endoplasmic Reticulum Unfolded Protein Response, Aging and Exercise: An Update
Brisamar Estébanez1, José A de Paz1, María J Cuevas1
1Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain.
Frontiers in Physiology
|December 21, 2018
Summary
Aging impairs cellular protein folding, increasing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Regular exercise, however, can mitigate ERS and activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), offering protective benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Aging Research
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for protein homeostasis.
- Aging compromises ER function, leading to ER stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response (UPR) dysfunction.
- ERS is linked to age-related diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of aging and exercise on ER stress and the unfolded protein response.
- To analyze how different exercise types affect ERS and UPR in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on aging, exercise, ERS, and UPR.
- Analysis of exercise-induced metabolic stress and its role in UPR activation.
- Examination of exercise intensity effects on ERS and UPR.
Main Results:
- Aging diminishes the cell's capacity to manage protein folding, exacerbating ERS.
- Regular exercise, particularly moderate-intensity, reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and ER/mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Exercise-induced ERS can act as a protective adaptation, but responses vary with intensity.
Conclusions:
- Aging negatively affects ER homeostasis and UPR function.
- Physical activity is a promising intervention for mitigating age-related ER dysfunction.
- Tailoring exercise intensity is crucial for optimizing protective UPR activation in the elderly.
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