Effects of inhibition of the mitochondrial respiration on expression of proliferation versus differentiation markers in C2C12 myoblast

• Grant number: 19/12216-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2019
• End date: July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Metabolism and Bioenergetics
• Principal Investigator: Alicia Juliana Kowaltowski
• Grantee: Natalia Carnio de Siqueira Branco
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07937-8 - Redoxome - Redox Processes in Biomedicine, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Cells depend on an adaptable source of energy throughout different periods of the cell cycle. Regulation of energetic metabolism may therefore be related to the prevalence of proliferation or differentiation. Since mitochondria are a central structure in the production of ATP in eukaryotic cells, the importance of this organelle in cellular differentiation is evident. The balance between proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts is crucial for the maintenance of skeletal muscle homeostasis. Dysfunction leading to decreased proliferation results in reduction or depletion of the undifferentiated cell population, whereas uncontrolled proliferation would result in insufficient differentiation. However, the role of mitochondrial respiration in cell proliferation and differentiation is not fully elucidated. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the role of mitochondrial respiration in the regulation of C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation. This will clarify not only whether mitochondrial respiration affects myogenic regulatory factors that modulate cell division in myoblasts, but also whether this event can directly affect the process of proliferation and differentiation and its contribution toward the cell cycle.