Exercise and Caffeine May Activate Metabolic Genes

ananyo writes "A trip to the gym could mean not just losing pounds — but also chemical modifications from DNA in the form of methyl groups. The presence (or absence) of methyl groups at certain positions on DNA can affect gene expression. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm looked at the methylation status of genes in small biopsies taken from the thigh muscles of healthy young adults before and after a stint on an exercise bike. They found that, for some genes involved in energy metabolism, the workout demethylated the promoter regions (stretches of DNA that facilitate the transcription of particular genes). Genes unrelated to metabolism remained methylated. Furthermore, similar demethylation could be seen when cultured muscle cells were given a massive (probably lethal) dose of caffeine."

Comments

Translation?

[slasho81]

Can we get an English translation of the summary?

Re:Translation?

[biodata]

I think it may be the other way round, if I have it right - methylation of the promoter region stops the gene being activated. The promoter is the DNA 'upstream' of the gene, usually, where the trasnscription machinery binds to begin reading off the gene and producing messenger RNA. If the promoter is methylated, the DNA doesn't unwind to provide access to the machinery. The researchers found that 'useful' metabolic genes were demethylated (so activated) by exercise and caffeine.

Re:Translation?

[rgbrenner]

slashdot... where two posts saying exactly the opposite of each other are both marked +5 informative.

Re:Translation?

[Randle_Revar]

Correct, methylation stops gene expression. Mod Parent up, grandparent down

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070421211622.htm