Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Muscle Biology group is dedicated to exploring the intricacies of muscle physiology and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to muscle function and disease. Our research utilizes advanced model systems, including zebrafish, to investigate the genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression during embryonic development and cardiac regeneration. We focus on the roles of globins, nitric oxide, and nitrite in regulating muscle and neuron excitability, delving into the intricate mechanisms of voltage-gated ion channels and calcium signaling pathways essential for skeletal muscle function. Our studies examine calcium dysregulation and its impact on skeletal muscle diseases, emphasizing the importance of calcium channel regulation in maintaining muscle health. Additionally, we investigate the processes of muscle, bone, and adipocyte cell differentiation, which are crucial for understanding how these tissues interact and contribute to overall physiology. By employing advanced molecular chaperones to enhance protein stability and utilizing gene transfer and genome editing technologies, our research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for muscle-related conditions.


Faculty

Paola Corti, PhD
Keywords: Globins, Nitric oxide, Nitrite, Zebrafish, Embryonic development, Cardiac regeneration

Shaojun Du, PhD
Keywords: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression, Muscle, bone and adipocyte cell differentiation, Molecular chaperones and protein stability, Zebrafish models, Gene transfer and genome editing

Erick Hernandez-Ochoa, MD, PhD
Keywords: Excitability, Calcium signals, Voltage-gated ion channels, Neurons, Skeletal muscle cells, Calcium channel regulation, Calcium dysregulation, Pathophysiology of diabetes, Skeletal muscle diseases

Aikaterini Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos, PhD
Keywords: Cytoskeleton, Signaling, Skeletal and cardiac muscle (patho)physiology, Breast cancer

David Weber, PhD
Keywords: Calcium-signaling, Tumor suppression & Cancer biology, Structural biology