The Exercise Physiology Laboratory in collaboration with the Laboratory of Molecular Physiology located in the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center investigates the molecular mechanisms associated with mechanical overload induced skeletal muscle plasticity and cell signaling transduction utilizing the Obese Zucker Rat (Lepr^fa). The Obese Zucker Rat (Lepr^fa) exhibits a range of metabolic and endocrine alterations that include obesity, mild to moderate hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, mild glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, severe hyperinsulinemia, moderate hypertension, and declines in both growth and thyroid hormones. The characteristics that the Obese Zucker Rat (Lepr^fa) displays are similar to humans with type 2 diabetes. The Exercise Physiology Laboratory in collaboration with the Laboratory of Molecular Physiology employs molecular biology and histochemical techniques to address research questions pertaining to skeletal muscle plasticity.

PROJECT 1

Mechanical Overload Induced Skeletal Muscle Plasticity in the Obese Zucker Rat (Leprfa) Plantaris.

PROJECT 2

Mechanical Overload Induced Skeletal Muscle Plasticity in the Obese Zucker Rat (Leprfa) Soleus.

PROJECT 3

The Effect of Mechanical Overload on AKT, mTOR, and p70s6K in the Obese Zucker Rat (Leprfa) Plantaris and Soleus.

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