University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · PhysiologyThe Sarcomere Lab
Joseph Mark Metzger · Minneapolis, Minnesota
Research Focus
Dr. Joseph Mark Metzger's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how skeletal muscle works in both healthy and diseased states, particularly at the level of sarcomeres, which are the basic units of muscle contraction. The lab aims to uncover mechanisms that regulate muscle contraction and how these processes are affected by various muscle diseases. By developing innovative biosensor technologies, the lab seeks to create effective treatments for conditions that lead to muscle weakness and dysfunction.
skeletal musclesarcomerecontractile dysfunctionmuscle diseasesmyosingeneticsmuscle performance
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate how inter-myofilament signaling regulates sarcomere activation during twitch contractions.
AIM 02Study the role of myosin binding protein C as a mechano-sensor in skeletal muscle.
AIM 03Explore the complexities of sarcomere regulation in health and disease.
AIM 04Develop novel tools for real-time monitoring of sarcomere function in intact muscle.
Skills the Lab Values
FRET-based biosensor developmentcontractile protein analysismuscle physiology studiestwitch contraction assessmentsmechano-sensing techniquesbiophysical analysislive muscle imagingmolecular biology techniques