miRNAs as markers for the development of individualized training regimens: A pilot study

• Published in: Physiological reports 2022-03, Vol.10 (5), p.e15217-n/a
• Main Authors: Widmann, Manuel, Mattioni Maturana, Felipe, Burgstahler, Christof, Erz, Gunnar, Schellhorn, Philipp, Fragasso, Annunziata, Schmitt, Angelika, Nieß, Andreas M., Munz, Barbara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Biomarkers - metabolism; DNA microarrays; Exercise - physiology; Exercise intensity; Female; Gene expression; Heart rate; Humans; individual training adaptation; Interval training; Intervention; microRNAs; MicroRNAs - genetics; MicroRNAs - metabolism; miRNA; Muscle, Skeletal - metabolism; Musculoskeletal system; Original; physical exercise; Physical fitness; Physiology; Pilot Projects; Skeletal muscle
• ISSN: 2051-817X
• DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15217

Small, non‐coding RNAs (microRNAs) have been shown to regulate gene expression in response to exercise in various tissues and organs, thus possibly coordinating their adaptive response. Thus, it is likely that differential microRNA expression might be one of the factors that are responsible for different training responses of different individuals. Consequently, determining microRNA patterns might be a promising approach toward the development of individualized training strategies. However, little is known on (1) microRNA patterns and their regulation by different exercise regimens and (2) possible correlations between these patterns and individual training adaptation. Here, we present microarray data on skeletal muscle microRNA patterns in six young, female subjects before and after six weeks of either moderate‐intensity continuous or high‐intensity interval training on a bicycle ergometer. Our data show that n = 36 different microRNA species were regulated more than twofold in this cohort (n = 28 upregulated and n = 8 downregulated). In addition, we correlated baseline microRNA patterns with individual changes in VO2max and identified some specific microRNAs that might be promising candidates for further testing and evaluation in the future, which might eventually lead to the establishment of microRNA marker panels that will allow individual recommendations for specific exercise regimens. Using microarrays and qPCR analysis, we studied microRNA patterns in skeletal muscle in healthy subjects undergoing two different six‐week exercise programs. We identified several miRNAs that had not been implicated in exercise adaptation before. In addition, our data suggest that exercise‐induced changes in microRNA patterns are dependent on exercise type and also on individual background, a finding that suggests that microRNAs might serve as biomarkers for the development of individualized training regimens in the future.