Uncovering the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle health and function across the lifespan to advance human health.
Why Does Skeletal Muscle Matter?
Skeletal muscle is essential for mobility, independence, and quality of life. As we age, declining muscle mass and function increase vulnerability to frailty, falls, and loss of independence, making muscle health central to healthy aging. Although skeletal muscle is remarkably resilient, aging disrupts the cellular systems that maintain muscle integrity and function.
We seek to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle health and proteostasis, with a focus on lysosomal function, autophagy, and nutrient-sensing pathways. By defining how aging disrupts these systems, we aim to identify strategies that preserve muscle health, improve recovery from muscle loss, and promote healthier, more active lives.
Beyond discovery, we are committed to training the next generation of scientists through rigorous mentoring that fosters curiosity, dedication, and the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to human health.