Medycyna Wet. 62 (4), 380-384, 2006
Pawlikowska P., Orzechowski A.
Role of insulin in myogenesis and mitochondrial respiration in relation to the ageing of skeletal muscles
The article describes the principles of the insulin signaling pathway and the latest research results indicating the new role of insulin in modulating mitochondrial activity during muscle development. Myogenesis is considered to be an extensive energy-demanding process where mitochondria are the main source of ATP. Moreover, a number of reports emphasize that insulin is the most likely factor regulating prenatal muscle growth. Despite the fact that research into the affect of insulin onto myogenesis is incomplete, the role of mitochondria in muscle formation is thought to be essential in order to comprehend both whole-body growth and development. Insulin stimulates the expression of mitochondrial proteins in muscle cells whereas the activity of some targets of the insulin signaling pathway depends on ATP supply (e. g. mTOR). Similarly, alterations in available energy supply, resulting from the impaired function of mitochondria affect the cell’s sensitivity to insulin as well as leading to myopaties in the developing muscle tissue.
Keywords: insulin resistance, skeletal muscle