Skeletal muscle mitochondria are vital for producing sufficient energy to fuel muscle contractions during exercise. Embedded within the inner mitochondrial membrane are 4 separate protein complexes that are responsible for transferring electrons from specific substrates to the final electron acceptor, oxygen. The proton gradient that is formed from the movement of electrons then drives complex V, synthesizing ATP to fuel cellular work. Recent technological advancements enable exploration beyond simple measures of mitochondria, such as density and overall function, to identify how the organelles produce energy. Specifically, high-resolution respirometry allows investigation into the capacity of each of these mitochondrial protein complexes to determine if they are differentially utilized during specific types of exercise. Further, unique profiles of utilization of these complexes may be hallmarks of success within a certain performance discipline (e.g., racing, dressage, western work, or jumping). In recent years, our laboratory has substantially contributed to progress in this area of research. Under 3 specific scenarios we: 1) defined in horses as young as 6-months-old differential utilization of complexes among breeds destined for certain racing distances; 2) demonstrated differential impacts on specific mitochondrial complexes between submaximal and high-intensity exercise training; and 3) identified a signature of mitochondrial energy production in Thoroughbred racehorses as weanlings that correlates with their race performance later in life. Complex-specific skeletal muscle mitochondrial research in horses is its infancy but has substantial promise to be used as a tool to optimize performance and prevent fatigue-induced injury in performance horses. Further, greater understanding of the inter-relationships of mitochondrial energy production, exercise training, management, and feeding protocols will be crucial to ensure horses realize their peak performance potential and to maintain animal welfare during intense training and competition schedules.

中文翻译：

---

31 线粒体表型与肌肉功能和表现的关系

骨骼肌线粒体对于在运动过程中产生足够的能量来促进肌肉收缩至关重要。嵌入线粒体内膜的是 4 个独立的蛋白质复合物，它们负责将电子从特定底物转移到最终的电子受体氧气。由电子运动形成的质子梯度随后驱动复合 V，合成 ATP 为细胞工作提供燃料。最近的技术进步使探索超越了线粒体的简单测量，如密度和整体功能，来确定细胞器如何产生能量。具体来说，高分辨率呼​​吸测量法允许调查这些线粒体蛋白复合物中的每一个的能力，以确定它们是否在特定类型的运动中被不同地利用。更远，这些综合体的独特利用概况可能是特定表演学科（例如，赛车、盛装舞步、西方工作或跳跃）中成功的标志。近年来，我们的实验室为这一研究领域的进展做出了重大贡献。在 3 种具体情况下，我们： 1) 定义在 6 个月大的马匹中，在特定比赛距离的品种之间对复合物的差异利用；2) 证明次最大和高强度运动训练对特定线粒体复合物的不同影响；3) 将纯种赛马的线粒体能量产生特征确定为断奶期，这与它们在以后的生活中的比赛表现相关。马的复杂特异性骨骼肌线粒体研究尚处于起步阶段，但很有希望用作优化性能和防止性能马疲劳引起的损伤的工具。此外，更好地了解线粒体能量产生、运动训练、管理和喂养方案之间的相互关系对于确保马实现其最佳表现潜力并在激烈的训练和比赛日程中维持动物福利至关重要。