Sarcoplasmic Reticulum and SERCA: A Nexus for Muscular Adaptive Thermogenesis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and SERCA in muscle metabolism and thermogenesis, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR)

A membrane-bound structure found within muscle cells that stores and regulates calcium ions.

SERCA (Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase)

An ATP-dependent pump that moves Ca2+ from the cytosol into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Energy Balance

The equilibrium between caloric intake and caloric expenditure.

Adaptive (or Facultative) Thermogenesis

A modifiable process that alters energy expenditure in response to environmental factors.

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)

The rate of energy expenditure while at rest, which varies among individuals.

Calcium Cycling

The continuous release and reuptake of calcium ions, crucial for muscle contraction and relaxation.

Futile Calcium Cycling

A process whereby calcium ions are exchanged without accomplishing work, generating heat instead.

Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT)

A type of fat tissue specialized for heat production, primarily through non-shivering thermogenesis.

Regulatory Proteins (e.g., Sarcolipin)

Proteins that modulate the activity of SERCA, influencing thermogenesis and calcium levels in muscle.

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)

A protein found in brown adipose tissue that dissipates the proton gradient to generate heat.