Dataset for: Expression of Striated Activator of Rho-Signaling (STARS) in human skeletal muscle following acute exercise and long-term training

Aim: The Striated Activator of Rho-Signaling (STARS) protein acts as a link between external stimuli and exercise adaptation such as muscle hypertrophy. However, the acute and long-term adaptational response of STARS is still unclear. This study aimed at investigating the acute and long-term endurance training response on the mRNA and protein expression of STARS and its related upstream and downstream factors in human skeletal muscle. Methods: mRNA and protein levels of STARS and related factors were assessed in skeletal muscle of healthy young men and women following an acute bout of endurance exercise (n=20) or 12 weeks of one-legged training (n=23). Muscle biopsies were obtained before (acute and long-term), at 30 min, 2h and 6h following acute exercise, and at 24 hrs following both acute exercise and long-term training. Results: Following acute exercise, STARS mRNA was significantly elevated 3.9-fold at 30 minutes returning back to baseline 24 hours after exercise. STARS protein levels were were numerically but non-significantly increased 7.2-fold at 24 hours. No changes of STARS or ERRα mRNA or STARS protein expression were seen following long-term training. PGC-1α mRNA increased 1.7-fold following long-term training. MRTF-A mRNA was increased both following acute exercise and long-term training, in contrast to SRF mRNA and protein which did not change. Conclusion: STARS mRNA is acutely upregulated with exercise, but there is no cumulative effect to long-term training as seen in PGC-1α mRNA expression. Exercise intensity might play a role in manifestation of protein expression, suggesting a more complex regulation of STARS.