BACKGROUND: Dietary protein intake is essential for the recovery of skeletal muscle function and adaptive remodeling with resistance exercise training. Protein ingestion stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and leads to a cumulative increase in net muscle protein deposition over time that is the basis for muscle maintenance and/or hypertrophy. Dietary protein ‘quality’, determined by the constituent amino acid profile and digestibility, is thought to be important for muscle recovery and adaptive remodeling.
Typically, animal-based protein sources contain a full complement of essential amino acids (EAA) and are considered to be ‘nutritionally complete’ compared with plant-based proteins, which often also exhibit lower rates of digestibility vs. animal proteins. The superior quality of animal protein sources is reflected in their capacity for MPS stimulation, both at rest and in the post-exercise recovery period. To date, the majority of studies have focused on comparing the muscle anabolic effects of isolated proteins such as whey, casein and soy, with little evidence available on other protein sources. This is important, as a growing number of consumers with dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian and vegan) rely on non-animal protein sources for their muscle recovery and remodeling needs. Furthermore, the environmental impact and long-term sustainability of animal side-stream proteins, such as whey, have been called into question. Thus, there is a clear requirement to understand how novel and sustainable proteins support exercise-induced muscle recovery and adaptive remodeling. Addressing this knowledge gap will provide a strong evidence-base for the use of alternative protein sources for muscle health in a more conscientious and ethically aware consumer market.
PROJECT OVERVIEW/TECHNIQUES: The proposed project will investigate how supplementation with a sustainable high-quality protein modulates muscle recovery and adaptation in response to exercise compard with conventional supplemental proteins. To achieve this, we will use an array of in vivo human physiology testing techniques, including, but not limited to, assessments of dietary analysis/standardization, strength training programming, body composition and muscle architecture assessment, blood metabolite and hormonal analysis. The project will also incorporate muscle biopsy sampling and stable isotope tracers for in vivo measurement of muscle metabolism and molecular signaling. Collectively, the experimental approaches provided in this project should appeal to students interested in skeletal muscle physiology, nutritional biochemistry and exercise training. This project will be conducted in collaboration with a prominent industry sponsor/partner and it is expected that the successful candidate will spend a period of time on placement across different areas of the business (approximately 2 months: formulation, marketing etc).
PERSON SPECIFICATION: Applicants should have a strong background in Exercise Metabolism and, ideally, experience in Nutrition and Muscle Physiology. Experience of working in a research setting on dietary and strength training programming is desirable, but not a requirement. They should hold (or realistically expect to obtain) at least an Upper Second Class Honors Degree in a relevant subject.
APPLICATION PROCESS: PLease send a cover letter and CV to Dr Leigh Breen ([Email Address Removed]). Interviews will take place on the week beginning June 21st.