Leucine Modulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis and SIRT1-AMPK Signaling in C2C12 Myotubes

Figure 6

Proposed mechanism of leucine-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. In C2C12 myotubes, leucine treatment leads to activation of SIRT1. SIRT1 then deacetylates and activates LKB1, which subsequently induces AMPK phosphorylation and activation. In turn, activated AMPK could promote SIRT1 activation via intracellular NAD⁺ level by changing expression and activity of Nampt. Activated AMPK and SIRT1 further activate PGC-1α via phosphorylation and deacetylation, resulting in elevated mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative function.