I am studying the differences in gene and protein expression that occur in the skeletal muscle of young and old men and women in response to a 16 week resistance training (RT) stimulus (3 days/wk exercise consisting of 3 sets, 8-12 repetitions at 80% maximum effort at squat, leg press, and knee extension).  Percutaneous vastus lateralis biopsies are taken prior to, 24 hours post-, and 16 weeks post-RT to detect changes in acute gene expression, as well as long-term alterations in gene and protein expression, when compared to baseline.  Cross sections are also analyzed for detection of changes in skeletal muscle fiber cross sectional area and fiber type shift associated with our training regimen.  Other studies examine satellite cell activation in response to RT, as well as changes to cytoskeletal elements that may lead to such activation.   

Dave and his family at Mardi Gras