ABSTRACT
Mitochondria play an essential role in energy production and are a key player for many signaling pathways for maintaining cellular homeostasis. In order to meet the energy demand of the cell, healthy mitochondria are generated via mitochondrial biogenesis. However, there is an age-dependent decline in mitochondrial functional capacity due to a reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis and an increase in mitochondrial damage. Mitophagy, the specific degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria, and biogenesis work together to maintain the quality of mitochondrial structure and function. In aging muscle, this turnover of mitochondria is dysregulated, and this results in a negative impact on muscle health. This chapter will focus on (1) impact of aging on mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy in skeletal muscle and (2) beneficial effects of exercise on mitochondrial turnover.
