Differential Expression of the Brain Proteome in Physical Training

Proteomics is an emerging field of research facilitated by numerous advancements over the past few decades in protein separation. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometrical identification is a common approach to identify proteins. Studies on protein expression related to physical activity are limited. Exercise has beneficial effects on brain function, including the promotion of plasticity and the enhancement of learning and memory performance. Proteins involved in energy metabolism, synaptic plasticity, and signaling and stress response were upregulated in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of swim-trained rats. Thus our studies suggest that exercise elicits a significant differential protein expression pattern in cortical and hippocampal function. These proteins may be involved with neuronal recovery in terms of neurite formation and remodeling of synaptic connections. These findings form the basis for better understanding of protein alterations in the brain in response to physical activity.