DNA methylation of exercise-responsive genes differs between trained and untrained men

Background: Physical activity is well known for its multiple health benefits and although the knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms is increasing, our understanding of the role of epigenetics in long-term training adaptation remains incomplete. In this intervention study, we included individuals with a history of > 15 years of regular endurance or resistance training compared to age-matched untrained controls performing endurance or resistance exercise. We examined skeletal muscle DNA methylation of genes involved in key adaptation processes, including myogenesis, gene regulation, angiogenesis and metabolism.

Results: A greater number of differentially methylated regions and differentially expressed genes were identified when comparing the endurance group with the control group than in the comparison between the strength group and the control group at baseline. Although the cellular composition of skeletal muscle samples was generally consistent across groups, variations were observed in the distribution of muscle fiber types. Slow-twitch fiber type genes MYH7 and MYL3 exhibited lower promoter methylation and elevated expression in endurance-trained athletes, while the same group showed higher methylation in transcription factors such as FOXO3, CREB5, and PGC-1α. The baseline DNA methylation state of those genes was associated with the transcriptional response to an acute bout of exercise. Acute exercise altered very few of the investigated CpG sites.

Conclusions: Endurance- compared to resistance-trained athletes and untrained individuals demonstrated a different DNA methylation signature of selected skeletal muscle genes, which may influence transcriptional dynamics following a bout of acute exercise. Skeletal muscle fiber type distribution is associated with methylation of fiber type specific genes. Our results suggest that the baseline DNA methylation landscape in skeletal muscle influences the transcription of regulatory genes in response to an acute exercise bout.