The emerging role of skeletal muscle mitochondrial dynamics in exercise and ageing

Abstract

Mitochondria are the hub for energy production within living cells. They can undergo morphological changes in response to nutrient availability and cellular stress. Here, we review how exercise chronically and acutely affects mitochondrial dynamics. Moreover, we discuss whether mitochondrial dysfunction observed in elderly subjects is due to the ageing process per se or due to the associated sedentary state. Finally, we study how endurance exercise can improve mitochondrial dynamics in older subjects, thereby improving their overall health and likely limiting muscle waste.

Keywords: DRP1; Endurance training; MFN1; MFN2; Muscle mass; OPA1.