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Invited review: Neural control of phenotypic expression in mammalian muscle fibers
Author(s) -
Pette Dirk,
Vrbová Gerta
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880080810
Subject(s) - phenotype , skeletal muscle , biology , muscle fibre , neuroscience , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , motor unit , gene , myocyte , function (biology) , anatomy , genetics
In this review, the present knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the control of the phenotypic expression of mammalian muscle fibers is summarized. There is a discussion as to how the activity imposed on the muscle fibers by the motoneuron finally induces in the muscle cells the expression of those genes that define its particular phenotype. The functional and molecular heterogeneity of skeletal muscle is thus defined by the existence of motor units with varied function, while the homogeneity of muscle fibers belonging to the same motor unit is yet another indication of the importance of activity in the control of gene expression of the mammalian muscle fiber.