The role of fibroblasts in skeletal muscle ageing

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Project Detail:
Ageing is associated with a decline in skeletal muscle size (sarcopenia), which results in loss of strength and independence, as well as impaired metabolic health. However, whilst sarcopenia is a well-known consequence of ageing, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms which contribute to it are poorly understood.

Satellite cells, which reside on the periphery of skeletal muscle fibres act as stem cells, capable of regenerating skeletal muscle following injury, trauma or exercise; however, the regenerative capacity of satellite cells in aged skeletal muscle has been questioned, and may contribute to the onset and progression of sarcopenia. The satellite cell niche may also play a key role in their ability to effective regenerate skeletal muscle, however the role of other cell types has been largely neglected in muscle ageing research.

Fibroblasts are a cell type present in the skeletal muscle niche which have recently been shown to enhance muscle regeneration in vitro (Mackey et al. 2017). In addition, we have previously investigated the role of varying the ratio of myogenic (muscle) to non-myogenic (fibroblast) cells in engineered skeletal muscle (Martin et al. 2013). This PhD will assess the role that fibroblasts play in skeletal muscle ageing utilising cell and molecular biology techniques, with the aim of further understanding the mechanisms underpinning sarcopenia.

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/neil-martin/
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/mark-lewis/
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/
Entry Requirements
-Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in sport and exercise science, human physiology, nutrition and biochemistry or a related subject.
A relevant master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the above subjects will be an advantage.
-English Language Requirements: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/