Exercise adaptation by estrogen receptor-induced mitochondrial remodeling in males

Role of estrogen in metabolic health is not well understood although reduced estrogen action is implicated in obesity and insulin resistance.   

The researchers identify ESR1 (encodes estrogen receptor α [ERα]) variants that correlate with insulin sensitivity and metabolic health and recapitulate these relationships experimentally in mice by a muscle-selective alteration in Esr1/ESR1 expression.

Mitochondrial architecture and function as well as mitochondrial adaptation to physical activity are shown to be governed by Esr1/ERα.

Overexpression of human ERα in muscle protected male mice from diet-induced disruption of metabolic health and enhanced mitochondrial adaptation to exercise training intervention.

https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(25)00189-2 

https://sciencemission.com/Esr1-induced-remodeling-of-mitochondria