Mark Miller
My main focus is on translational research, or applying basic research findings to improve human health, and I use both human and model systems in this work. My research goal is to understand how structural and functional alterations at the molecular and single fiber levels affect whole skeletal muscle contraction and whole body function, primarily to find potential countermeasures to the loss of skeletal muscle performance under a variety of conditions, including aging, obesity, fatigue and illness (influenza). An important aspect of my research is the ability to measure the fundamental molecular determinants of contractile function, such as myosin-actin cross-bridge kinetics. By identifying the specific molecular mechanisms that lead to alterations in whole muscle function, my findings will impact clinical care by providing novel information about the treatment of conditions that reduce skeletal muscle performance. Treatments include various exercise training programs and/or pharmaceuticals, which may need to be sex-specific based upon my previous work in older adults.
Current Research
Current ongoing research projects in the Muscle Biology Laboratory focus on adaptations in skeletal muscle structure and function from the molecular to whole body levels in response to:
1) resistance and power training in older adults
2) skeletal muscle fatigue in older adults
3) fat infiltration in young and older adults
4) influenza (flu) in model systems
In addition, the laboratory examines basic research questions, such as how do different fiber types respond to stretch in order to help us better understand our translational work.
Learn more at https://blogs.umass.edu/markmiller/
Academic Background
- B.S., University of Colorado
- M.S., University of Colorado
- Ph.D., University of Vermont
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship, University of Vermont
