Research Core 4 - Muscle Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation

CORE LEADERS

Charlene Hafer-Macko, M.D., Co-Leader
Telephone: 410-605-7000 extension 5451
E-mail: cmacko@grecc.umaryland.edu

Alice Ryan, Ph.D., Co-Leader
Telephone: 410-605-7851
E-mail: aryan@grecc.umaryland.edu



OVERVIEW
Increasing clinical and experimental data provide evidence that aging and physical frailty are strongly linked to fundamental mechanisms of inflammation. The fundamental hypothesis of the Muscle Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation Core is that common biological mechanisms in aging may be accelerated in selected disability conditions, such as stroke and hip fracture. The mission of Research Core 4 is to investigate biologic mechanisms that underlie the disability of advancing age at the tissue, cellular, molecular, and genetic level with a focus on muscle, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. Research Core 4 will provide consultative expertise, technical support and training, and access to services and resources for the conduct of muscle, adipocyte, and vascular biology research in disabled older people.

The aims of Research Core 4 are to:

1.  Study the mechanisms of sarcopenia and altered muscle structure/function in selected disability conditions:

A. Determine muscle metabolism, inflammation and mitochondrial function.

B. Link muscle structure and metabolism to physical function, body composition, and systemic measures of inflammation, oxidative injury and insulin resistance (disability phenotype).

2.  Study the effects of exercise rehabilitation on muscle structure and function, metabolism and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative injury.