Role of MyoD in denervated, disused, and exercised muscle.

The myogenic regulatory factor MyoD plays an important role in embryonic and adult skeletal muscle growth. Even though it is best known as a marker for activated satellite cells, it is also expressed in myonuclei, and its expression can be induced by a variety of different conditions. Several model systems have been used to study the mechanisms behind MyoD regulation, such as exercise, stretch, disuse, and denervation. Since MyoD reacts in a highly muscle-specific manner, and its expression varies over time and between species, universally valid predictions and explanations for changes in MyoD expression are not possible. This review explores the complex role of MyoD in muscle plasticity by evaluating the induction of MyoD expression in the context of muscle composition and electrical and mechanical stimulation.