Discovery of Small Molecules to Treat Skeletal Muscle Sarcopenia

I am interested in adult stem cell function and the mechanisms that regulate stem cell fate. I study a skeletal muscle stem cell - the satellite cell which is responsible for postnatal muscle regeneration. In Dr. Lee Rubin's lab, we focus on translational research with an eye towards how satellite cells are affected in the context of aging and disease. Sarcopenia, skeletal muscle degeneration associated with aging, is a specific and important component of the aging process, leading to frailty and disability. The objective of this project is to identify and develop therapeutics that proliferate satellite cells. Our long-term goal is to better understand the underlying mechanisms that regulate satellite cell function. The identification of novel therapeutics that enhance satellite cell function will have broad applicability to alleviate muscle frailty associated with aging.