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  • Regulation of protein turnover impacting cardiac function The Lira Lab is studying pathways stimulated by exercise that may protect against cardiac disease.
  • Lab Members
  • Interface between autophagy, metabolism and function in skeletal muscle The Lira Lab is studying the molecular cross-talk between autophagy proteins and other cellular pathways that are fundamental for maintenance of muscle mass and contractile function.

Mission Statement

Age-related impairments in protein quality control lead to metabolic and contractile dysfunctions in skeletal and cardiac muscles that are associated with a variety of health problems (e.g., sarcopenia, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer). Our overall research goal is to determine the protein quality control mechanisms that become compromised with aging thereby identifying novel targets for therapy. Deciphering the intracellular and cross-tissue pathways responsible for the exercise- and calorie restriction-mediated improvements of quality control processes is also of major interest. We conduct functional studies combining unbiased approaches (e.g., proteomics, metabolomics) with molecular biology and mouse genetics.

 

 

Institutional Affiliations