Substrate Preference describes the inherent tendency of an enzyme system or an entire tissue to preferentially utilize one metabolic fuel source over another for energy production or synthetic processes. This preference is not static but is dynamically regulated by hormonal status and substrate availability within the systemic environment. Understanding this metabolic choice is key to optimizing tissue function, such as in cardiac or skeletal muscle. The cell makes a fuel choice.
Origin
The term combines ‘substrate,’ referring to the reactant upon which an enzyme acts or the fuel source, with ‘preference,’ indicating a selection bias. Its application in endocrinology highlights how hormones steer the body’s energy partitioning between fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Mechanism
Regulation occurs via the modulation of key regulatory enzymes controlling flux through metabolic pathways. For instance, high insulin levels promote glucose utilization by upregulating glycolytic enzymes and inhibiting fatty acid oxidation enzymes in muscle cells. Conversely, fasting states shift the preference toward lipid utilization, a systemic shift directed by counter-regulatory hormones.
Growth hormone peptides influence myocardial energy substrate preference by supporting mitochondrial function and metabolic flexibility, promoting a balanced cardiac fuel utilization.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.