Elimination of cellular waste and damaged cell components is essential for maintaining the body’s organs and tissues. A study focusing on the mechanisms for clearing cellular wastes (autophagy) published in Current Biology led by researchers from the University of Bonn suggests that strength training exercises activate such mechanisms.
BAG3 research
Nerves and muscles are high-performance organs, but these long-lasting organs have cellular components that are constantly subjected to wear and tear creating damaged cells and other cellular waste. BAG3 proteins play roles in the elimination of damaged components (autophagy), working to identify them and ensuring that they are enclosed in cellular membranes to form an autophagosome. Autophagosomes can be seen as a type of trash bag in which cellular waste is collected later for shredding and/or recycling by lysosomes.
Autophagy
Autophagy is a complex process that involves many proteins and protein complexes, like BAG3. It plays a protective role in cells and helps them maintain their health and respond to stress. Autophagy can help cells survive periods of starvation, infection, or excess heat, and it can also render harmless viruses and bacteria that have bypassed the immune system’s defenses. Autophagy may also be a key player in preventing aging and diseases of aging, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
Strength training
The researchers showed that strength training exercises activate BAG3 in the muscles. This discovery is important for cellular waste disposal because BAG3 has to be activated to efficiently bind damaged cell components and promote membrane envelopment efficiently, and an active elimination/clearing system is essential for the long-term preservation of muscle tissues.
“Impairment of the BAG3 system does indeed cause swiftly progressing muscle weakness in children as well as heart failure — one of the most common causes of death in industrialized Western nations,” explained led by Professor Jörg Höhfeld of the University of Bonn Institute of Cell Biology, who led the study.
“We now know what intensity level of strength training it takes to activate the BAG3 system, so we can optimize training programs for top athletes and help physical therapy patients build muscle better,” said Professor Sebastian Gehlert who is a sports physiologist of the German Sport University Cologne and the University of Hildesheim.
Not just for the muscles
This BAG3 system is not only active in the muscles, mutations can lead to a nerve disease known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome which causes nerve fibers in the arms and legs to die off, leaving the individual unable to move his or her hands or feet. Studying cells from those suffering from the disease enabled the researchers to show that certain manifestations of the syndrome cause faulty regulation of BAG3 elimination processes, demonstrating the far-reaching significance of the BAG3 system for tissue preservation.
“Many cell proteins are activated by the attachment of phosphate groups in a process known as phosphorylation. With BAG3, however, the process is reversed,” explains Professor Jörg Höhfeld, also a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) Life and Health at the University of Bonn, “BAG3 is phosphorylated in resting muscles, and the phosphate groups are removed during activation.” At this point, phosphatases become the main focus of interest — the enzymes that remove the phosphate groups. To identify the phosphatases that activate BAG3, Höhfeld is collaborating with chemist and cell biologist Professor Maja Köhn of the University of Freiburg. “Identifying the phosphatases involved is a key step,” she relates, “so we can pursue the development of substances potentially able to influence BAG3 activation in the body.”
Not just for on Earth either
“BAG3 is activated under mechanical force. But what happens if mechanical stimulation does not take place? In astronauts living in a weightless environment, for example, or immobilized intensive care patients on ventilation,” queries Professor Höhfeld. Work on the BAG3 system also receives funds from the German Research Foundation and the German Space Agency as the research is of interest for purposes of manned space missions. Instances such as his query with lack of mechanical stimulation can rapidly lead to muscle atrophy, the cause of which Höhfeld ascribes at least in part to the non-activation of BAG3. Future drugs developed to activate BAG3 might help in such situations, which is why the team is preparing experiments to be conducted on board the International Space Station (ISS). Looking forward, BAG3 research thus could help us reach Mars someday.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/166-2024
