Figure 8: Proposed role of skeletal muscle DJ-1 in metabolic regulation. | Nature Communications

Figure 8: Proposed role of skeletal muscle DJ-1 in metabolic regulation.

From: DJ-1 links muscle ROS production with metabolic reprogramming and systemic energy homeostasis in mice

Figure 8

(a) In response to metabolic overload in the skeletal muscle, DJ-1 expression is upregulated. This prevents ROS overproduction and maintains tight coupling of mitochondrial respiration and ATP generation. Consequently, energy is harvested efficiently from nutrient sources, leading to energy excess and development of obesity and related metabolic complications. (b) Elevated ROS induced by DJ-1 deficiency increase uncoupled respiration and mitochondrial oxidation, thereby promoting futile cycle activity. This leads to the activation of AMPK, which enhances glycolysis and glucose utilization. These metabolic effects together increase energy expenditure in the skeletal muscle and confer resistance to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

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