Skeletal Muscle-Specific Expression of PGC-1α-b, an Exercise-Responsive Isoform, Increases Exercise Capacity and Peak Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

Increased mitochondrial biogenesis, capillaries, and fatty acid transporters in skeletal muscles may contribute to improved exercise capacity via an increase in fatty acid utilization. Increases in PGC-1α-b protein or function might be a useful strategy for sedentary subjects to perform exercise efficiently, which would lead to prevention of life-style related diseases and increased lifespan.