Clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) plays a positive role in the prevention and delay of age-related cognitive decline and the subsequent development of age-related Neurodegenerative diseases.
At the molecular level, such positive effects can be related to bioenergetic challenges resulting in the activation of transcription factors that induce the expression of proteins that strengthen the resistance of neurons to metabolic, oxidative, excitotoxic, and proteotoxic stresses involved in the pathogenesis of brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, several brain functions are mediated by epigenetic regulation of neural genes, and their dysregulations result in neuronal disorders. For example, experiences such as learning and recall, as well as physical exercise, induce neuronal activation through epigenetic modifications and by changing the noncoding RNA profiles.
This Research Topic aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the epigenetic and metabolic modifications in response to physical activity. In doing so, the epigenetic regulation, the signaling networks and metabolic pathways affected in healthy aging and neurodegenerative processes will be considered. We welcome Original Research papers, Review articles and brief communications addressing the molecular mechanisms and gene expression modifications of physical activity.
Clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) plays a positive role in the prevention and delay of age-related cognitive decline and the subsequent development of age-related Neurodegenerative diseases.
At the molecular level, such positive effects can be related to bioenergetic challenges resulting in the activation of transcription factors that induce the expression of proteins that strengthen the resistance of neurons to metabolic, oxidative, excitotoxic, and proteotoxic stresses involved in the pathogenesis of brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, several brain functions are mediated by epigenetic regulation of neural genes, and their dysregulations result in neuronal disorders. For example, experiences such as learning and recall, as well as physical exercise, induce neuronal activation through epigenetic modifications and by changing the noncoding RNA profiles.
This Research Topic aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the epigenetic and metabolic modifications in response to physical activity. In doing so, the epigenetic regulation, the signaling networks and metabolic pathways affected in healthy aging and neurodegenerative processes will be considered. We welcome Original Research papers, Review articles and brief communications addressing the molecular mechanisms and gene expression modifications of physical activity.
