Understanding the plasticity of skeletal muscle in health and disease
-
Research Project Leader
Professor Gordon Lynch+61 3 8344 0065
Project Details
Skeletal muscle is comprised of diverse fibre types that differ in size, metabolic and contractile properties; classically referred to as either 'slow, oxidative' or 'fast, glycolytic'. These properties are not fixed but can change in response to imposed demands, a process known as 'plasticity'. Understanding the biological mechanisms regulating fibre phenotype and the adaptive response across muscles of varying phenotypes has not been fully resolved. Addressing these research gaps may also identify potential therapeutic targets to improve quantity and quality of life across many disease conditions. The objectives of this project are to: 1) understand the biological mechanisms regulating fibre size, phenotype and plasticity; and 2) whether modifying skeletal muscle attributes can protect against injury and disease. This project will utilise genetic, pharmacological and lifestyle approaches to interrogate the molecular, metabolic and contractile properties of fast and slow muscles in a variety of healthy and pathological states; including but not limited to muscular dystrophies, cancer cachexia, muscle injury and repair, and ageing.
Researchers
Dr Justin Hardee, Research Fellow
Professor Gordon Lynch, Head of Laboratory
Funding
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to Honours students to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.