Zipora Yablonka-Reuveni

Research Summary

Our research focuses on the origin and regulation of myogenic stem cells in skeletal muscle. Our long-term goal is to identify means to ameliorate age-related muscle deterioration (sarcopenia) and muscle wasting disorders due to muscular dystrophy. Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in mass, strength, and endurance of skeletal muscles, and by fat accumulation between and within myofibers. Subtle muscle injuries that occur during routine muscle activity raise a continuous demand for functional myofiber repair throughout life. However, myogenic stem cell performance declines in old age.