Université de Montréal
Harnessing hibernation - evaluating the translational potential of hibernation-related mechanisms of muscle atrophy resistance — This project aims to translate a hibernation-related mechanism of muscle atrophy resistance to astronauts. The microgravity conditions of space invariably lead to profound loss of skeletal and cardiac muscle mass and performance, a phenomenon called spaceflight-induced disuse atrophy. However, hibernating mammals are remarkably resistant to muscle atrophy, and the team has recently identified a gut microbiome-based process that facilitates this resistance by building muscle protein. Here, the team uses proteomics techniques to determine which muscle proteins this process helps build and whether they will counter spaceflight-induced atrophy. The ultimate goal is to create a hibernation-like probiotic to facilitate atrophy resistance in astronauts.