GPLS 715 - Muscle Cell Biology and Development

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This course considers the developmental biology of muscle, including its innervation and plasticity. The course begins with a discussion of the factors controlling the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. Next is a consideration of fiber type determination, its relationship to use, and the effects of hypertrophy and atrophy on muscle. The structure, function and formation of the neuromuscular junction and its relationship to the organization of structures in the extra-junctional region form the next set of topics. Emphasis is placed on the extra-cellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. The last part of the course deals with the relationship of activity and hormonal influences to the biochemical properties of muscle. The course meets twice weekly and consists of one lecture and one session for student oral presentations and discussion of assigned research pertinent to the lecture topic.