2022

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty


Murach headshot

Kevin Murach, PhD

Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas

Myc as the Driver of Cellular Epigenetic Rejuvenation in Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscle becomes smaller and weaker as aging progresses. The loss of muscle size and strength with age is problematic as it contributes to a loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and mortality. Exercise is a powerful countermeasure against the negative effects of aging and has beneficial effects in every system of the body. One such benefit is improved muscle mass and strength. Underlying improved muscle mass and strength gains with exercise are molecular processes such as changes in epigenetics and gene expression. Molecular changes in muscle cells can be mediated by transcription factors, some of which are responsive to exercise. The goal of this AFAR-supported project is to determine whether the exercise-responsive transcription factor Myc contributes to making skeletal muscle more youthful at the functional, cellular, epigenetic, and gene expression level. The knowledge gained from this work will shed light on exercise-associated factors that may support muscle “rejuvenation”.

More 2022 Recipients of this Grant

Albert Almada, PhD

Mis-regulation of Stem Cell Activation Mechanisms Driving Muscle Dysfunction in the Elderly

Albert Almada
Ying Ann Chiao, PhD

The regulation of mitochondrial NAD+ metabolism in the aging heart

Ying Ann Chiao
Carlos Manlio Díaz-García, PhD

Casting light on energy metabolism throughout the anatomy of aging neurons

Carlos Manlio Díaz-García
Ilia Droujinine, PhD

Characterization of adipose tissue-to-muscle communication pathways in aging

Ilia Droujinine
Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria, PhD

Sensing and signaling ER stress from neurons to periphery

Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria
Juan Pablo Palavicini, PhD

Functional lipidomics reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying improved metabolic function and lifespan extension in remarkably long-lived mice

Juan Pablo Palavicini
Daniel Roh, MD, PhD

Delineation of beneficial and detrimental roles of senescent cells in impaired wound healing of aging

Daniel Roh
Judith Simcox, PhD

Discovery of ceramide signaling as a regulator of energy expenditure with aging

Judith Simcox
Anthony Joseph Covarrubias, PhD

The role of senescent macrophages as a driver of inflammaging and altered NAD+ metabolism in aging

Anthony Joseph Covarrubias
Noga Ron-Harel, PhD

Restoring immunity by targeting the aged microenvironment

Noga Ron-Harel