Dong Gun Oh
BME PhD Proposal Presentation

Date: 2024-08-26
Time: 13:30-15:00
Location / Meeting Link: HSRB II N100 / https://emory.zoom.us/j/93766523616

Committee Members:
Laura Hansen, Ph.D. (Advisor); W. Robert Taylor, MD, Ph.D.; Hanjoong Jo, Ph.D.; Luke Brewster, MD, Ph.D.; Hyojung Choo, Ph.D.


Title: Investigating Changes in Satellite Cell Proliferation and Angiogenic Potential in Response to Exercise and its Application into Cell Therapy

Abstract:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic process in the lower limb of patients, that results in, complications such as limb pain and decreased mobility. Exercise therapy is currently an effective non-invasive strategy that improves symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms of its benefits are underexplored. In this proposal, we will focus on the effect of exercise on satellite cells. Satellite cells are known for their primary role in skeletal muscle repair, but our preliminary studies show their promising role in vascular growth. Exercise is also known to activate satellite cells and may further promote their vascular effects. In our pilot studies, satellite cells were increased and the ischemic/nonischemic perfusion ratio was higher in a hindlimb ischemia model following two weeks of exercise. Therefore, Aim 1 will investigate the time-course of proliferation and expression changes of satellite cells in response to exercise. Aim 2 proposes to investigate what exercise-induced factors serve as a stimulus for proliferation and expression changes in satellite cells in vitro. Aim 3 investigates the regenerative ability of exercise-induced stimuli-preconditioned satellite cells in in vivo HLI model. The ultimate goal of this proposal is to understand the effect of exercise on satellite cell biology and apply it to improve the efficacy of exercise therapy programs and the use of satellite cells as a cell therapy to treat PAD.