Project Details
Description
DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from the Applicant): The primary objective of the
proposed Academic Research Enhancement Award is to investigate the influence of
muscle strength on bone mass using a new mouse model. Specifically, this study
evaluates multiple working hypotheses concerning the effects of increased
muscle mass on activity level, bone cross-sectional geometry, bone mass,
mineral content, and microstructure. These hypotheses are tested by comparing
locomotor activity, growth hormone levels, and bone structure between mice
deficient in growth and differentiation factor-8 (myostatin) and wild-type
controls. Myostatin functions as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth
and myostatin null mice show a doubling of muscle fiber size and number
compared to normal mice. The primary factor leading to the onset of
osteoporosis is bone loss. One preventative and therapeutic approach for
minimizing the potentially disastrous affects of bone loss during life is to
increase peak bone mass by increasing muscle strength. The proposed study, by
critically evaluating the effects of increased muscle mass on bone strength
during postnatal growth, will expand significantly upon our current
understanding of the mechanisms important for generating and maintaining
healthy bone structure in adults. This enhancement award will also engage
undergraduate students from two programs at Kent State University, the McNair
Scholars and Ohio Board of Regents STARS programs, in mentored bone biology
research. The proposed project will therefore provide new training
opportunities for students from populations traditionally underrepresented in
the biomedical research community.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 4/11/01 → 3/31/03 |
Funding
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
ASJC
- Medicine(all)
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