The physiological process of increasing the rate at which muscle cells synthesize new contractile and structural proteins, a crucial determinant of muscle hypertrophy and repair. Upregulation of this pathway is a primary objective in sarcopenia prevention, rehabilitation following injury, and performance optimization. This anabolic process is highly sensitive to hormonal signals, particularly insulin and androgens, and nutrient availability.
Origin
The term is fundamental to exercise physiology and nutritional science, stemming from research into the molecular mechanisms of muscle adaptation and growth. “Upregulation” is a standard molecular biology term indicating an increase in the number of receptors or the activity of a signaling pathway, emphasizing the controlled, biological nature of the process.
Mechanism
The upregulation is largely mediated by the activation of the mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin) signaling pathway, which serves as a central hub for sensing nutrient, energy, and hormonal status. Hormones like Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and testosterone bind to their respective receptors, initiating a cascade that activates mTOR, subsequently increasing the translation of mRNA into new muscle proteins and promoting positive nitrogen balance.
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