Dr. Alway studies aging-induced changes in structure and function and remodeling in skeletal muscle, and satellite cells (adult muscle stem cells) under loading and wasting conditions. He has used exercise, denervation and muscle disuse in several animal models including rodents and birds and elderly human subjects in these studies. Recent investigations have focused on the genetic regulation of antioxidants and Sirtuin-1 activators as a potential counter measure to reduce muscle wasting using aging animal models and humans. We currently have three primary projects.
Mitochondria. Understanding the role of mitochondria health and abundance in regulating muscle mass in aging and disease. The figure below shows examples of health (red arrows) and unhealthy (blue arrow) mitochondria from a muscle biopsy of an elderly human subject.
Molecular signaling. In a second area of concentration we are striving to understand the role of genetics, exercise and diet on maintaining muscle health and function. These studies involve working with transgenic mice that we have developed and also obtained muscle function studies in elderly, and obese human subjects.
Muscle repair. Adult muscle stem cells also called satellite cells are essential for muscle repair, but aging, obesity, diabetes and other conditions reduces the ability of satellite cells to repair injured muscle properly. These studies are designed to investigate the role of oxidative stress, aging and nutrition to impact muscle recovery. We are particularly interested in nutritional interventions such as resveratrol (an activator of Sirtuin 1), green tea (which is rich in catechins) and other regulators of satellite cell activated muscle repair.
