Mitochondria as a Potential Regulator of Myogenesis

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that mitochondria play a role in the regulation of myogenesis. Indeed, the abundance, morphology, and functional properties of mitochondria become altered when the myoblasts differentiate into myotubes. For example, mitochondrial mass/volume, mtDNA copy number, and mitochondrial respiration are markedly increased after the onset of myogenic differentiation. Besides, mitochondrial enzyme activity is also increased, suggesting that the metabolic shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation as the major energy source occurs during myogenic differentiation. Several lines of evidence suggest that impairment of mitochondrial function and activity blocks myogenic differentiation. However, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of myogenesis by mitochondria. Understanding how mitochondria are involved in myogenesis will provide a valuable insight into the underlying mechanisms that regulate the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of mitochondria as a potential regulator of myogenesis.

Creatine Prevents the Structural and Functional Damage to Mitochondria in Myogenic, Oxidatively Stressed C2C12 Cells and Restores Their Differentiation Capacity

“…Mitochondria have been recognized as crucial players in myogenesis, and a considerable body of evidence suggests that impairment of their subcellular organisation and activity blocks myogenic differentiation [15, 26, 30, 47, 48]. Our data further confirm this notion and also highlight the importance of preserving mitochondrial integrity in this differentiation process.…”

AMP-activated Protein Kinase Stimulates Warburg-like Glycolysis and Activation of Satellite Cells during Muscle Regeneration

“…Similar to other stem cells, quiescent satellite cells have immature mitochondria and a very low metabolic rate, and glycolysis supplies most energy for satellite cells (10,18). Robust mitochondria biogenesis and OXPHOS only start when myogenic differentiation is initiated (10,51). Therefore, there is a significant demand of energy to support the large biomass formation during satellite cell proliferation before myogenic differentiation.…”

Involvement of estrogen-related receptor-γ and mitochondrial content in intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia

“…Several lines of evidence suggest that mitochondria have a role in the differentiation of a wide variety of cell types, such as myoblasts (47), decidual cells (48), adipocytes (49), and human embryonic stem cells (50). Furthermore, ERRg is also involved in cell differentiation (30,31).…”