Project description:MiRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. MiRNAs mostly localise within the cytosol but are also found in the mitochondria where they can regulate the expression of mitochondrial-encoded transcripts. Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic metabolic conditions. However, the role of miRNAs in the regulation of mitochondrial function in healthy tissue, such as in response to endurance exercise training, is not known. The aim of this study was to use a small RNA library preparation approach to profile the entire population of miRNAs in rat skeletal muscle mitochondria and investigate if mitochondrial miRNA expression was altered following4 weeks of endurance training
Project description:Mitochondria are central to cellular function, particularly in metabolically active tissues such as skeletal muscle. Nuclear-encoded RNAs typically localise within the nucleus and cytosol but a small population may also translocate to subcellular compartments such as mitochondria. We aimed to investigate the nuclear-encoded RNAs that localise within the mitochondria of skeletal muscle tissue. Intact mitochondria were isolated via immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by enzymatic treatments (RNase-A and proteinase-K) optimised to remove transcripts located exterior to mitochondria, making it amenable for high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing. Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing of enzymatically-purified mitochondria isolated by IP from skeletal muscle tissue showed a high degree of purity. In summary, we describe a novel, powerful sequencing approach applicable to animal and human tissues and cells that can facilitate the discovery of nuclear-encoded RNA transcripts localised within skeletal muscle mitochondria.
Project description:Mitochondria are central to cellular function, particularly in metabolically active tissues such as skeletal muscle. Nuclear-encoded RNAs typically localise within the nucleus and cytosol but a small population may also translocate to subcellular compartments such as mitochondria. We aimed to investigate the nuclear-encoded RNAs that localise within the mitochondria of skeletal muscle cells and tissue. Intact mitochondria were isolated via immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by enzymatic treatments (RNase-A and proteinase-K) to remove transcripts located exterior to mitochondria, making it amenable for high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing. Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing of enzymatically-purified mitochondria isolated by IP from skeletal muscle tissue showed a striking similarity in the degree of purity compared to mitoplast preparations which lack an outer mitochondrial membrane. In summary, we describe a novel, powerful sequencing approach applicable to animal and human tissues and cells that can facilitate the discovery of nuclear-encoded RNA transcripts localised within skeletal muscle mitochondria.
Project description:Three dimensional engineered culture systems are powerful tools to rapidly expand our knowledge of human biology and identify novel therapeutic targets for disease. Bioengineered skeletal muscle has been recently shown to recapitulate many features of native muscle biology. However, current skeletal muscle bioengineering approaches require large numbers of cells, reagents and labour, limiting their potential for high-throughput studies. Herein, we use a miniaturized 96-well micro-muscle platform to facilitate semi-automated tissue formation, culture and analysis of human skeletal micro muscles (hμMs). Utilising an iterative screening approach we define a serum-free differentiation protocol that drives rapid, directed differentiation of human myoblast to skeletal myofibres. The resulting hμMs comprised organised bundles of striated and functional myofibres, which respond appropriately to electrical stimulation. Additionally, we developed an optogenetic approach to chronically stimulate hμM to recapitulate known features of exercise training including myofibre hypertrophy and increased expression of metabolic proteins. Taken together, our miniaturized approach provides a new platform to enable high-throughput studies of human skeletal muscle biology and exercise physiology.
Project description:To investigate microRNAs related to mitochondria biogenesis in skeletal muscle, microRNA expressions during skeletal muscle differentiation and exercise were analyzed in vivo and in vitro.
Project description:The physical connection between mitochondria and endoplasmic or sarcoplasmic reticulum is an essential signaling hub to ensure organelle and cellular functions. In skeletal muscle, ER/SR-mitochondria calcium (Ca2+) signaling is crucial to maintain cellular homeostasis during physical activity. High expression of BCL2L13, a member of the BCL-2 family, was suggested as an adaptive response in endurance-trained human subjects. The aim of this study was to describe the molecular and physiological functions of BCL2L13. Using a zebrafish knockout model, we assessed the physiological changes, alterations of skeletal muscle structure, differences in the muscle proteome, and mitochondrial metabolism caused by the loss of Bcl2l13. We used cellular models to define the subcellular location and the mechanistic role of Bcl2l13. The loss of Bcl2l13 in zebrafish decreased swimming capacity and activity. Skeletal muscle fast fiber cross sectional area was reduced in knockout fish. Muscle proteome uncovered changes in protein turnover, transmembrane transport and expression of Ca2+ signaling proteins compared to wild type fish.
Project description:To investigate microRNAs related to mitochondria biogenesis in skeletal muscle, microRNA expressions during skeletal muscle differentiation and exercise were analyzed in vivo and in vitro. Murine skeletal muscle cell (C2C12) were assigned to undifferentiated, differentiated, and passively stretched (exercise mimicked). C57BL/6S mice were assigned to resting, acute exercise (1day), and chronic exercise (7days). Low molecular weight RNA (< 200 nucleotides) was isolated from C2C12 cell or tibialis anterior muscle of mice and hybridized to Ncode microRNA microarrays. The experiment was performed using a loop design for the data analysis.
Project description:Understanding the relationship between physical exercise, reactive oxygen species and skeletal muscle modification is important in order to better identify the benefits or the damages that appropriate or inappropriate exercise can induce. Heart and skeletal muscles have a high density of mitochondria with robust energetic demands and mitochondria plasticity has an important role in both cardiovascular system and skeletal muscle responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of regular physical activity on oxidation profiles of mitochondrial proteins from heart and tibialis anterior muscles. To this end, we used mouse as animal model. Mice were divided in two groups: untrained and regularly trained. The carbonylated protein pattern was studied by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Western Blot with anti-dinitrophenyl hydrazone antibodies. Mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identifications of several different protein oxidation sites including methionine, cysteine, proline and leucine residues. A large number of oxidized protein were found in both untrained and trained animals. Moreover, mitochondria from skeletal muscles and heart showed almost the same carbonylation pattern. Interestingly, exercise training seems to increase carbonylation level mostly of mitochondrial protein from skeletal muscle.