Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (30): 6499-6508.doi: 10.12307/2025.949

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Regulatory mechanism of exercise promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle

Zhang Zihan¹, Wang Jiaxin¹, Yang Wenyi², Zhu Lei¹   

  1. ¹School of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Jining 273100, Shandong Province, China; ²Binzhou Sports Bureau, Binzhou 256600, Shandong Province, China 
  • Received:2024-11-02 Accepted:2024-12-17 Online:2025-10-28 Published:2025-03-28
  • Contact: Wang Jiaxin, MS, Associate professor, School of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Jining 273100, Shandong Province, China
  • About author:Zhang Zihan, Master candidate, School of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Jining 273100, Shandong Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and its regulatory mechanisms during exercise have become focal points of research. Pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcium-regulated signaling play profound roles in exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis, impacting muscle metabolic optimization, enhanced athletic performance, and the prevention of metabolic diseases. However, the interactions among these pathways, their regulatory mechanisms, and their comprehensive effects on exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the signaling pathways related to mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle, precisely analyze the induction and regulatory details of exercise within these pathways, and clearly elucidate the principles by which exercise-activated signaling pathways promote mitochondrial generation and functional enhancement. This will establish a theoretical foundation for improving muscle metabolism, enhancing exercise efficiency, and preventing metabolic diseases.
METHODS: An extensive literature search was conducted using China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. The latest publications related to mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and its regulatory mechanisms were collected from inception to August 2024. By integrating findings from multiple signaling pathways, the regulatory mechanisms of exercise on mitochondrial biogenesis were systematically reviewed, with a focus on the interactions and synergistic mechanisms of AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, protein kinase A, mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcium-regulated signaling pathways.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle is a complex biological process involving the coordinated regulation of multiple signaling pathways. This process aims to optimize the metabolic capacity, fatigue resistance, and overall athletic performance of skeletal muscle in response to changes in energy demand and external stress. The core mechanisms include the interactions and regulation of key factors such as AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. (2) AMP-activated protein kinase senses the cellular energy status and activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α, thereby promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α, as the main regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle, can modulate the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins and DNA, enhance the antioxidant stress response, and improve mitochondrial function. (3) The mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, particularly p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, further promotes mitochondrial generation by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α during stress responses. (4) Additionally, calcium signaling and protein kinase A pathways play significant roles in the metabolic regulation of skeletal muscle. (5) Exercise can significantly enhance mitochondrial biogenesis capacity in skeletal muscle by activating these multiple signaling pathways, optimizing cellular metabolic efficiency, increasing muscle endurance, and improving athletic performance. (6) Future research should focus on in-depth exploration of the interaction mechanisms among AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and calcium signaling under different exercise intensities and modalities; strengthen studies across diverse age groups, genders, and health conditions; validate the universality and population-specificity of research findings; investigate the intricate mechanisms of emerging regulatory factors such as FNIP1 and PERM1 and their potential in exercise interventions; and promote the translation of exercise health research outcomes into clinical applications.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点:组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程

Key words: skeletal muscle, mitochondrial biogenesis, exercise, AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α, protein kinase A, mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcium signaling, engineered tissue construction

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