Nutrient-training Interactions In Human Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$53,659.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle accounts for 50% of total body mass with critical roles in body movement and blood glucose regulation. Exercise is a potent stimulus for maintaining/ increasing muscle mass, an effect that is augmented when combined with protein ingestion. The aims of this proposal are to better understand this exercise-nutrient interaction to optimize the prescription of programs and recovery strategies as a countermeasure for muscle degeneration with aging and disease.
Effects Of Parvalbumin Up-regulation On Ca2+ Handling And Contractile Properties In Skeletal Muscle From Aged Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
Ageing is accompanied by a loss of muscle function that may be due to an ageing-related impairment of calcium regulation. This project aims to improve calcium regulation in muscles of aged animals by enhancing the calcium buffering capacity via gene transfer. Whether this improves muscle function and muscle regeneration following injury in the aged will be assessed. Information from this project could lead to development of novel strategies to combat the loss of muscle function with ageing.
Determining The Pathomechanics Of Muscle Weakness In Older Individuals With Toe Deformities In Order To Develop Evidence-based Intervention Strategies To Restore Foot Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,251.00
Summary
Hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities are highly prevalent foot problems in older people that can cause foot disfigurement, physical discomfort, and increase the risk of falling. This study will investigate how toe muscle weakness is affected by these toe deformities as the basis upon which to develop interventions that can restore foot function in older individuals, in order to reduce falls risk, foot pain and, in turn, improve independence and quality of life throughout ageing.
The Role Of The Systemic Milieu In Preventing Motor Unit Remodelling And Loss During Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Motor unit remodeling and loss contributes to the decline in muscle mass, strength and quality of life in our aging population. Recent data shows that exposing aged mice to 'blood-borne factors' from the circulation of a young mouse can reverse the age-associated deficits in motor unit structure and function. A better understanding of the factors controlling these anti-aging effects will be vital for finding new compounds to reverse the aging process and improve quality of life.
Investigating Hippo Signalling As A Novel Cause Of Muscle Disease, And As A Target For New Interventions To Combat Frailty
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,509.00
Summary
We will explore the role of the Hippo signaling pathway in muscle development, repair and remodelling. We propose that this little-known pathway which affects organ development, is key for maintaining healthy muscles, and is affected in muscle wasting. Using gene therapy tools to alter this pathway in models of disease, we intend to clarify the role of Hippo signaling in muscle, and establish whether the pathway can be manipulated to treat physical frailty caused by muscle wasting.
Excitation-contraction Coupling In Skeletal Muscle In Health, Exercise And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,621.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle dysfunction occurs in certain diseases, aging and exercise, and can deleteriously affect lifestyle and mobility. This project investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the complex sequence of events that occur in each individual muscle fibre, starting from stimulation by a nerve through to the fibre contracting. This should give information about causes of skeletal muscle dysfunction in myotonia, heart failure and other situations, and help development of therapies.