Our lab investigates the intrinsic differences between adult and aged satellite cells, especially the satellite stem cell subpopulation. This work will provide insights into pathways, which are perturbed in aged satellite cells and allow for modification of these pathways thereby rejuvenating aged muscle.

The ultimate goal in the treatment of sarcopenia – the age-related reduction in muscle mass and functionality – is to preserve muscle mass and restore satellite cell homeostasis. When the homeostasis of a tissue is perturbed this likely leads to its degeneration. A factor that can restore the differentiation potential of satellite cells and their ability to self-renew in the aged has the potential to reinstate tissue homeostasis in old skeletal muscle. Therefore we propose to perform a screen to determine such factors using single fiber cultures from aged mice.