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Irisin Signaling

Meaning

The biochemical cascade initiated by the myokine irisin, a peptide hormone cleaved from the FNDC5 protein, which is primarily released from contracting skeletal muscle during and immediately following physical activity. Irisin signaling acts in a classical endocrine fashion to communicate the metabolic and energetic status of the muscle to other distant organs throughout the body. Its key physiological roles include promoting the beneficial browning of white adipose tissue and exerting significant neurotrophic effects in the central nervous system. This signaling pathway provides a tangible molecular link between physical exercise and systemic metabolic and cognitive benefits.