Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS) is the fundamental metabolic process involving the creation of new contractile proteins within muscle cells, a process essential for muscle repair, growth, and adaptation to physical loading. This anabolic mechanism is directly regulated by a complex interplay of hormonal signals, particularly insulin, testosterone, and growth factors like IGF-1, and is critical for maintaining physical competence and metabolic health throughout the lifespan. A robust MPS rate is a core pillar of vitality.
Origin
The term originates from cellular biology and exercise physiology, combining the tissue type, “Skeletal Muscle,” with the foundational biochemical process, “Protein Synthesis.” Its clinical relevance has grown with the understanding that sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, is largely a failure of the MPS rate to keep pace with protein degradation. The concept is central to nutritional and hormonal strategies for longevity.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism is mediated by the activation of the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway within the muscle cell, which is stimulated by both amino acid availability and anabolic hormones. Insulin and IGF-1 enhance amino acid uptake, while mechanical tension from exercise and hormones like testosterone provide the necessary signal to initiate the translational machinery. A successful MPS mechanism requires the coordinated presence of these three stimuli: substrate, signal, and mechanical stress.
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