Presentation Title

Investigation of Phenotypic Plasticity of the Caudofemoralis Longus Muscle in the American Alligator.

Author(s) Information

Alyssa Medina

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

College

College of Natural Sciences

Major

Biology

Location

RM 215-218

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Tomasz Owerkowicz

Start Date

5-27-2014 1:00 PM

End Date

5-27-2014 5:30 PM

Abstract

Mammalian skeletal muscle shows muscle plasticity in response to loading and unloading conditions, resulting in hypertrophy and atrophy, respectively. Reptiles, in contrast, show no apparent muscle plasticity, but little experimental research has been conducted to validate such claims. My project investigates changes to muscle fiber phenotype of the caudofemoralis longus (CFL) muscle in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), as introduced by surgical tenotomy. In particular, I will be looking at shifts in muscle fiber type, to see whether they parallel the behavior of mammalian muscle during unloading. This project may identify a new non-traditional animal model for prevention of muscle wasting in bedridden or dystrophic human patients, or during spaceflight.

Share

COinS
 
May 27th, 1:00 PM May 27th, 5:30 PM

Investigation of Phenotypic Plasticity of the Caudofemoralis Longus Muscle in the American Alligator.

RM 215-218

Mammalian skeletal muscle shows muscle plasticity in response to loading and unloading conditions, resulting in hypertrophy and atrophy, respectively. Reptiles, in contrast, show no apparent muscle plasticity, but little experimental research has been conducted to validate such claims. My project investigates changes to muscle fiber phenotype of the caudofemoralis longus (CFL) muscle in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), as introduced by surgical tenotomy. In particular, I will be looking at shifts in muscle fiber type, to see whether they parallel the behavior of mammalian muscle during unloading. This project may identify a new non-traditional animal model for prevention of muscle wasting in bedridden or dystrophic human patients, or during spaceflight.