Skeletal Muscle Development, Function and Disease

Proper coupling of neurons, skeletal muscle fibers and intracellular filamentous contractile proteins is essential for voluntary movements.

PCOM faculty are engaged in research that defines the mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle formation and contraction. Other studies focus on the effects of inherited genetic abnormalities and mechanical ventilation that lead to muscle weakness and atrophy, with the goal of developing compensatory approaches to treat myopathies.