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Miller 2017 PLOS ONE

From Bioblast
Publications in the MiPMap
Miller B, Hamilton K, Boushel R, Williamson K, Laner V, Gnaiger E, Davis M (2017) Mitochondrial respiration in highly aerobic canines in the non-raced state and after a 1600-km sled dog race. PLOS ONE 12:e0174874.

» PMID: 28445477 Open Access

Miller B, Hamilton K, Boushel R, Williamson K, Laner Verena, Gnaiger Erich, Davis M (2017) PLOS ONE

Abstract: At the annual Iditarod Race, Alaskan Huskies repeatedly run for up to 8 hours at 16 km/h to complete 1600 km. We previously demonstrated high rates of mitochondrial protein synthesis in Alaskan Huskies, which we suspected allowed rapid remodeling of mitochondrial proteins in response to energetic stress. The purpose of this study was to examine mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized skeletal muscle fibers of Alaskan Huskies in the offseason (Non-raced) and following the 1600 km Iditarod Sled Dog Race (Raced). We hypothesized that compared to Non-raced Huskies, raced Huskies that completed a 1600 km race would have greater mitochondrial respiratory capacities, and improvements in capacities of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) based on NADH-generating substrates as compared to fatty acids. Using high-resolution respirometry (HRR) we investigated the respiration of permeabilized muscle fibers from Alaskan Huskies. Maximum capacities were 254±26 pmol.s-1.mg-1 for OXPHOS (coupled, P) and 254±37 pmol.s-1.mg-1 for the electron transfer-pathway (ET-pathway; non-coupled, E). After racing respiratory capacities from NADH-linked substrates, but not fat-derived substrates increased. Finally, the OXPHOS to ET capacity ratio (P/E) increased after racing from 0.90±0.03 to 0.97±0.02. From our previous studies and the current study, we conclude that Alaskan Huskies maintain high mitochondrial protein turnover to facilitate rapid adaptation to environmental extremes and energetic challenges.

Bioblast editor: Kandolf G O2k-Network Lab: AT Innsbruck Oroboros, AT Innsbruck Gnaiger E, US CO Fort Collins Miller BF, CA Vancouver Boushel RC, US OK Stillwater Davis MS, US CO Fort Collins Hamilton K, US OK Oklahoma City Miller BF

Expeditions - science and adventure: Alaska 2014

The Iditarod team of fast endurance dogs The Mito-Science-Team (left to right: Rob Boushel, Erich Gnaiger, Karyn Hamilton, Verena Laner and Benjamin F. Miller) working in the lab. (C) by Shannon Massie Alaska 2014 HRR MitoLab Alaska

» Iditarod 1,000 mile race

Cited by


Labels: MiParea: Respiration, Exercise physiology;nutrition;life style 


Organism: Dog  Tissue;cell: Skeletal muscle  Preparation: Permeabilized tissue 


Coupling state: LEAK, OXPHOS, ET  Pathway: F, N, S, NS, ROX  HRR: Oxygraph-2k 

2017-05, MitoFitPublication