Mitochondria and Muscular Biology

Mitochondria are implicated in the regulation of many physiological processes in the muscle: intervention in differentiation, bioenergetics, acquisition of fibre metabolic characteristics, management of energetic reserves during growth, and intervention in muscle atrophy during ageing in men. This reports on the complexity of the interactions between mitochondria and their cellular environment in muscle, and notably their dialogue with the nucleus (regulation of gene expression) or with myofibrils and myosins (energy transfer shuttles). These mechanisms, which are still poorly understood, were the object of an important scientific programme at Inra, with the objective to better manage growth and muscle quality of livestock and to maintain muscular capacity during ageing in man.