Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Exercise for Health and Performance

Dear Colleagues,

Physical exercise is a pillar for health promotion and disease prevention, as well as for optimizing athletic performance. This Special Issue aims to explore the molecular nexus that connects these dimensions. The aim is to present research that elucidates the cellular and molecular mechanisms triggered by acute and chronic exercise, explaining how they mediate beneficial physiological adaptations for healthy populations and athletes.

Lines of investigation:

1. Cellular Signaling and Adaptation Pathways:
   (a) Roles of AMPK, mTOR, PGC-1α, Sirtuins, FOXO, MAPKs, CaMK, and NF-κB in response to exercise.
   (b) Cellular sensors (energy, stress, damage) activated by exercise.
   (c) Specific signaling pathways for mitochondrial adaptations (biogenesis, function).
   (d) Regulation of muscle protein synthesis (hypertrophy) and degradation (proteolysis) post-exercise.
2. Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Immune Response:
   (a) Molecular mechanisms of exercise-induced redox balance (endogenous antioxidants, production of ROS as signaling molecules).
   (b) Roles of myokines and adipokines in inter-organ communication and immunomodulation.
   (c) Exercise as a modulator of chronic low-grade inflammation: molecular mechanisms (e.g., via the NLRP3 inflammasome).
   (d) Effects of exercise on cellular and humoral immune function (acute vs. chronic).
3. Energy Metabolism and Homeostasis:
   (a) Molecular regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism (uptake, utilization, storage) in response to exercise.
   (b) Role of transporters (GLUT4), key enzymes, and metabolic transcription factors.
   (c) Mechanisms of action of exercise on insulin sensitivity and the prevention of insulin resistance.
   (d) Metabolic adaptations in adipose tissue (white, brown, beige).

Dr. Ciro José Brito
Guest Editor

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