Effect of endurance training on expression signatures of mouse type I and type IIb myofibers

Skeletal muscle myofibers, categorized into slow-twitch (type I) and fast-twitch (type II) fibers based on myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, exhibit varying fatigue resistance and metabolic reliance. Type I myofibers are fatigue-resistant with high mitochondrial density and oxidative metabolism, while Type II myofibers fatigue quickly due to glycolytic metabolism and fewer mitochondria. Endurance training induces remodeling of myofiber and mitochondrial, increasing slow-twitch myofibers and enhancing mitochondrial oxidative capacity, improving muscle fitness. In our study, conducted using single-cell techniques, we delved deeply into the transcriptomic differences between type I and type IIb myofibers. In response to endurance training, type I myofibers exhibited heightened signals in essential adaptive responses, such as fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and protein synthesis, compared to type IIb myofibers. By analyzing untrained myofibers, we identified specific signaling pathways that explain the differences in their responses to endurance training. These findings provide nuanced insights into the molecular mechanisms governing endurance adaptations in fast and slow-twitch muscles, offering valuable guidance for tailored exercise routines and potential therapeutic interventions.