Prof. Troy Hornberger from the University of Wisconsin–Madison gave the 18th HyperMet lecture entitled ‘Visualising the Sites of Mechanically Induced Growth in Skeletal Muscle’. His research focuses on how mechanical stimuli, triggered, for example, by strength training, stimulate muscle hypertrophy. The focus of his research is the mTORC1 signaling pathway and the visualization of muscle growth sites using new microscopy methods. An important point that was discussed was the difference between pulse activation and chronic activation: while temporary, pulse-like stimulation of mTORC1 promotes muscle growth, chronic activation reduces lifespan.
HyperMet research examines the impact of muscle growth (hypertrophy) and muscle loss (atrophy) on metabolism. Increased muscle mass reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and potentially cancer. We are exploring the underlying metabolic processes to develop new strategies for prevention and everyday life.