Vihang A. Narkar, PhD                                                                       

Hamman Foundation Distinguished Professor in Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health McGovern Medical School

Host: Siddhesh Aras, MBBS, PhD

“Estrogen-Related Receptors in Exercise Fitness and Skeletal Muscle Disorders”

Abstract

Our laboratory has been focused on defining the role of orphan nuclear receptors in skeletal muscle homeostasis and their translational potential in muscle diseases. In this context, we have identified estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) as indispensable regulators of skeletal muscle function. ERRs drive a transcriptional program constituting mitochondrial biogenesis, paracrine angiogenesis and growth genes in the skeletal muscle, and specify an oxidative, highly vascularized and fatigue-resistant skeletal muscle. ERR-driven aerobic gene program not only improves exercise fitness but is also beneficial in a range of muscle-linked disorders including diabetes, peripheral arterial disease and muscular dystrophies.