On 10 July 2025, the first HyperMet Progress Meeting took place. The meeting aimed to present and discuss the scientific advances made in the subprojects P01, P02, and P03, and activities to promote young researchers.
P01 – HyperEx
Henning Wackerhage and Moritz Eggelbusch (TUM) presented the progress in P01, which deals with the influence of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy on metabolism and the organ fate of glucose. The focus was on experiments with C2C12 myotubes, where IGF-1 and Dexamethasone were used to induce hypertrophy and atrophy, respectively. Initial metabolomics data and a methodological validation of normalization of intracellular metabolite measurements are available. Additional progress was documented in the arterio-venous metabolite analysis of human muscle and the preparation of co-culture experiments.
P02 – HyperBone
Hanna Taipaleenmäki and Etien Hashorva (LMU Clinic) reported results on the metabolic crosstalk between muscle, bone, and bone marrow adipocytes. In addition to established in vitro methods, in vivo muscle and bone phenotyping data were presented, including findings from myostatin-deficient mice and a cancer cachexia model. Particular focus was given to the decrease in bone mass and bone marrow fat under conditions of muscle atrophy. First steps towards flux analysis with isotope labeling in Göttingen mini pigs have been initiated.
P03 – HyperSteroids
Kenneth Dyar (Helmholtz Center Munich) presented the metabolic characterization of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy under the influence of steroid hormones. The studies included animal experiments with implanted catheters for A/V metabolite analysis, “Steroidomics” assays, and administration of β2-agonists. Initial results show that the medication administration time affects body composition, and glucose uptake varies organ-specifically. Pilot studies recorded the acute effects of salbutamol on glucose utilization. Additionally, a combination therapy with GLP-1 was investigated.
Supporting Young Researchers
Arne Hinrichs, on behalf of the “Ministry of Career Advancement,” introduced the support measures for early career scientists. All doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers are to complete training in at least three methods of advanced metabolic research and one model each of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy during the program.
Furthermore, a new funding format was introduced: The “HyperMet Next Generation Grant Scheme” allows early career researchers to apply independently for research funding. Funds are also available for self-initiated workshops.