This R03 proposal is complementary to PI?s K01-award in which metabolic consequences for the lack of skeletal muscle phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) synthesis are being investigated. While the K01 proposal elucidates the role of skeletal muscle PE synthesis that occurs at endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum, the focus of this R03 application is on skeletal muscle mitochondrial PE synthesis that is mediated by an enzyme phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PSD). Low aerobic capacity is the strongest predictor for all-cause mortality. Skeletal muscle mitochondria are the largest contributors for aerobic metabolism, whose mass exhibits tremendous plasticity in response to exercise training. While molecular mechanisms that mediate syntheses of mitochondrial proteins are well-described, there are no reports that describe how exercise may induce syntheses of mitochondrial structural lipids in skeletal muscle. Our preliminary experiments showed that exercise training induced an increase in skeletal muscle PSD, and its absence in vitro resulted in reduced aerobic capacity that was likely attributable to a reduction in mitochondrial complex II activity. To examine the role of muscle mitochondrial PE synthesis in vivo, mice with skeletal muscle-specific knockout of PSD (PSD- MKO) were generated. In this proposal, we will test the hypothesis that skeletal muscle mitochondria PE synthesis is essential for complex II activity, whose absence results in mice that have low exercise capacity that are more prone to developing metabolic diseases. Data from these studies will provide insights into the role that mitochondrial phospholipid biosynthesis has on skeletal muscle respiratory capacity and whole-body metabolic health.

Public Health Relevance

Low aerobic capacity is the strongest predictor of premature death. Findings from these studies may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to increase aerobic capacity and prevent development of complex diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03DK109888-01
Application #
9146466
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK-B)
Program Officer
Spain, Lisa M
Project Start
2016-07-01
Project End
2018-06-30
Budget Start
2016-07-01
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$73,750
Indirect Cost
$23,750
Name
East Carolina University
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
607579018
City
Greenville
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27858
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