Grant: Project Grant

Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for energy (ATP) production in cells. As we age, there is evidence that mitochondrial function in muscle declines. This can result in poor energy production, fatigue and decreased quality of life. However, the reasons for the reduced mitochondrial function are not well known. In addition, exercise can prevent this decrease, but the underlying mechanisms are not established. Based on evidence, we believe that the cause of this decline in mitochondria has to do with dysfunction in the organelle that degrades it, the lysosome, which normally removes poorly functioning mitochondria and degrades them, in a process known as mitophagy. If the lysosome does not degrade poor mitochondria, they accumulate within muscle. Virtually nothing is known about lysosome function in muscle, if it is affected by age, or if there are biological sex differences in lysosome function or adaptation to exercise. Understanding this forms the basis of this proposal. This research involving the study of lysosome and mitochondrial interactions is important for our comprehension of how exercise can improve musculoskeletal health during the aging process, with important consequences for the well-being of Canadians.