Sarcopenia is the age-related loss in skeletal muscle (Figure 1). Typically, adults over 50 years of age lose 0.5-1% muscle mass each year. Due to increases in life span and a more sedentary lifestyle, sarcopenia is becoming an increasing problem that causes disability and reduces the ability to live independently.

Skeletal muscle can repair itself and increase mass via the activation of satellite cells (Figure 2). As we age, the ability of satellite cells to maintain our muscle mass decreases and can lead to the development of sarcopenia.

Our research focuses on the development of drugs that can prevent the loss of muscle fibers in sarcopenia or enhance the capacity of satellite cells to repair aging muscles. These drug candidates are validated in myotube cell cultures and models of muscle wasting.