The modulation of post-translational modification of proteins by physical exercise to improve brain functions via affecting metabolic homeostasis

Abstract

Exercise training effectively prevents mental or cognitive deficits, as supported by both animal studies and clinical trials. Our group has been focused on the peripheral derived molecules under endurance exercise scheme and is investigating the possible function of these factors in modulating brain functions. In particular, our recent works have shown the involvement of specific exercise metabolites in reshaping the posttranslational modification of synaptic proteins, to enhance the neural networking for counteracting mental disorders. In this article, I will briefly elaborate the recent progress regarding the linkage among exercise training, circulating metabolites and synaptic functions, in order to provide some previously unrecognized pathways for the brain health effect of exercise. In addition, the possibly future directions of the study for exercise-mediated metabolic homeostasis and brain function will be discussed.