The Effects of Retinoic Acid, Nicotinamide Riboside and Chronic Contractile Activity on Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Skeletal Muscle Cells

Mitochondrial biogenesis is a process by which the cell increases its mitochondrial content, involving nuclear-derived and mitochondrial -derived protein synthesis and assembly. Previous literature has identified retinoic acid as a viable agonist of mitochondrial biogenesis in liver and fat tissue, but whether retinoic acid has this effect on muscle is currently unknown. We decided to investigate the effects of retinoic acid on muscle mitochondrial biogenesis by testing it on muscle cells. We also combined RA isomers with known activators of mitochondrial biogenesis, including the drug Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), as well as a model of contracting muscle cells, in order to observe whether there are any interactions. Our results indicate that RA isomer treatment can induce mitochondrial biogenesis, and when combined with chronic contractile activity, has the potential to be additive or synergistic. This suggests that RA may be a useful supplement to accompany exercise training.