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A new molecular mechanism for coordinating skeletal muscle protein degradation and synthesis under atrophy conditions
Jody Smith spent last summer working with Dr Rob Layfield at Nottingham University’s School of Biomedical Sciences to get an insight into working in a research laboratory. She investigated in detail the molecular coordination of protein synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscle. Dr Layfield explained the project, saying: “muscle wasting is a feature of many disease states, and is characterized by an increase in protein breakdown and suppression of new protein synthesis. Precisely how this is achieved is unclear. We have evidence that a protein called ZNF216, which functions to promote protein degradation under atrophy conditions, may in fact cause the degradation of an enzyme which controls protein synthesis”. Jody was able to confirm previous observations in support of this idea, but also discovered that a modified form of another protein called ‘aldolase’, which controls the energy balance of cells, may also accumulate in wasting muscles.
Dr Layfield added, “Jody worked hard and integrated well into the lab. As a result, the project is significantly further forward now, and is developing into a really important part of this research group’s focus.”
From her point of view, Jody said: “the experience has allowed me to gain more confidence when working in a laboratory and has enhanced my experimental skills. This will be of huge value to me in the final year of my degree, but it has also given me a great insight into what scientific research involves and has increased my enthusiasm and interest into pursuing PhD training once I have graduated”.
Since making this comment, Jody has been awarded a first class degree, and is currently applying for PhD courses.
Last Updated Mon, 4 August 2008