Muscle Protein Synthesis Pathway (MPS Pathway)

The muscle protein synthesis (MPS) pathway is the metabolic process by which amino acids are incorporated into skeletal muscle proteins, leading to muscle growth and repair. This process is central to adaptations following exercise and nutritional intake, particularly in response to resistance training or increased dietary protein. Key components include the mTORC1 pathway, IGF-1/PI3K/Akt signaling, Rag GTPases & Vps34, and the β-catenin/c-Myc Pathway. MPS rates are tightly regulated by nutritional status, mechanical loading, and hormonal signals. Dysregulation contributes to conditions such as sarcopenia or cachexia. Interventions targeting this pathway include resistance exercise, essential amino acids, and leucine supplementation. Rapamycin inhibits the pathway via blocking mTOR.

Other names

Protein Synthesis in MuscleSkeletal Muscle Protein SynthesisMuscle Hypertrophy Pathway

Varies depending on the specific modulator; leucine directly activates mTORC1, rapamycin inhibits mTOR