BDNF coexpresses with MTOR and is associated with muscle fiber size, lean mass and power-related traits.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Recent research suggests a link between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the mTOR signaling pathway, a key regulator of protein synthesis and muscle growth. However, it remains unclear whether BDNF influences muscle growth and power performance. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the expression of BDNF and MTOR genes in human skeletal muscle and examine the association between genetically predicted higher expression of the BDNF gene and muscle fiber size, lean mass, power performance, and power athlete status.

Methods

The study involved 456,382 subjects, including 285 athletes, 112 physically active individuals with muscle fiber composition data, 291 sedentary individuals with gene expression data, 5451 controls, and 450,243 UK Bioban

SUBMITTER: Bulgay C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12479623 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature