University of Maryland School of Medicine logo
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
All Departments
UMSOM Assistant
Muscle Biology
  • Home
  • Departments
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Research
  • Muscle Biology
  • Research
  • Molecular & Cell Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Muscle Biology
  • Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology
  • Technology & Drug Development

The Muscle Biology group is dedicated to exploring the intricacies of muscle physiology and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to muscle function and disease. Our research utilizes advanced model systems, including zebrafish, to investigate the genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression during embryonic development and cardiac regeneration. We focus on the roles of globins, nitric oxide, and nitrite in regulating muscle and neuron excitability, delving into the intricate mechanisms of voltage-gated ion channels and calcium signaling pathways essential for skeletal muscle function. Our studies examine calcium dysregulation and its impact on skeletal muscle diseases, emphasizing the importance of calcium channel regulation in maintaining muscle health. Additionally, we investigate the processes of muscle, bone, and adipocyte cell differentiation, which are crucial for understanding how these tissues interact and contribute to overall physiology. By employing advanced molecular chaperones to enhance protein stability and utilizing gene transfer and genome editing technologies, our research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for muscle-related conditions.


Faculty

Paola Corti, PhD
Keywords: Globins, Nitric oxide, Nitrite, Zebrafish, Embryonic development, Cardiac regeneration

Shaojun Du, PhD
Keywords: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression, Muscle, bone and adipocyte cell differentiation, Molecular chaperones and protein stability, Zebrafish models, Gene transfer and genome editing

Aikaterini Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos, PhD
Keywords: Cytoskeleton, Signaling, Skeletal and cardiac muscle (patho)physiology, Breast cancer

David Weber, PhD
Keywords: Calcium-signaling, Tumor suppression & Cancer biology, Structural biology

University of Maryland School of Medicine logo
  • Departments
  • Programs
  • Research Centers
  • Institutes
  • Graduate Education
  • CIBR Cores
  • Offices of the Dean
    • University of Maryland, Baltimore
    • University of Maryland Medical Center
    • Medical Alumni Association of the University of Maryland
    • Health Sciences and Human Services Library
University of Maryland School of Medicine
655 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Contact Us

© University of Maryland School of Medicine

    • Webmaster
    • Web Accessibility
    • Site Index
    • UMB Hotline
    • Employment
    • Map