ADVANCES IN SKELETAL MUSCLE RESEARCH (2020)

Description: 

Skeletal muscle comprises up to 40% of the adult human body weight, playing a key role in everyday activities such as locomotion, maintenance of posture and breathing. In response to minor injuries, skeletal muscles have an extraordinary regeneration capacity, which relies on the resident muscle stem cells known as satellite cells. However, a variety of conditions override the muscle intrinsic regeneration capacity and are associated with an incomplete functional recovery. Muscle injury is a major concern in traumatology and sports medicine, where rapid and effective healing is desirable. Current research seeks to gain a better understanding of mechanisms behind skeletal muscle growth, maintenance and regeneration, toward the development of meaningful clinical interventions. The course aims to present and discuss current topics in skeletal muscle research, covering molecular, cellular, and anatomical aspects. The program includes various methodologies currently used to investigate the responses of skeletal muscle to physical strains, ranging from cells and animal models to human studies. The topics of the course include, but are not limited to: 

  • Satellite cells and adult myogenesis
  • In vitro models of myogenesis
  • Mechano-transduction in skeletal muscle
  • Muscle regeneration in animal models
  • Mechanisms of exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury
  • Age-dependent changes in muscle function
  • Therapies for muscle regeneration
  • Methods and biomarkers for the assessment of muscle function in health and disease

Literature: Selected papers and book chapters will be announced shortly before the course.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of mammalian cell biology and human physiology

Evaluation: Delivery of an oral presentation and a written essay in a selected topic.

Organiser: Associate Professor Cristian Pablo Pennisi, email: cpennisi@hst.aau.dk

Lecturers: Associate Professor, Cristian Pablo Pennisi, Associate Professor Ryan Godsk Larsen and Postdoc Hiva Alipour. Professor Aase Handberg, and invited external lecturers

ECTS: 1.5

Dates: 2 and 3 November 2020 (8.15 - 14.15)

Place: Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7D, room D2-106

Deadline: 12 October 2020

Max. No. of participants: 16

Important information concerning PhD courses: We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.