Marius Locke

The cellular response to muscle damage, including the regulation, expression and protection of stress/heat shock proteins/damage associated molecular patterns in striated muscle. Cells respond to stressful conditions by rapidly synthesizing protective proteins known as Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) or Stress Proteins (SPs). An elevated expression of HSPs has been shown to provide protection to cells and tissues during episodes of stress. HSPs are known to be involved in numerous processes and are likely to regulate important cell functions. I am currently examining the relationship between the content of HSPs and their ability to protect skeletal muscle from the damage associated with eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions and the inflammatory response that follows. We use an ASI servo motor to induce skeletal muscle damage in the rat tibialis anterior muscle. We use this model in conjunction with other mammalian models (diabetes, hypertrophy, exercise, heat stress, cold stress, etc) to answer questions regarding the role that HSPs play in skeletal muscle protection.