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CHS Researcher Profiles

Esther Dupont-Versteegden

Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Division of Physical Therapy

Principal Interests:
Dr. Dupont-Versteegden’s research interests have focused on investigating the underlying cellular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy in general and sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass with aging, in particular. The role of adult muscle stem cells and nuclear apoptosis have been studied using different animal models of disuse muscle atrophy, such as spinal cord injury and hind limb suspension, and muscle sparing interventions, such as exercise and reloading. In addition, changes in bone properties as a possible consequence of the changes in muscle with disuse and aging have recently been investigated and the role that bone marrow stem cells and muscle stem cells play in the loss of muscle and bone mass with disuse and aging is the focus of her current studies. Additionally, the effect of massage as an intervention to muscle atrophy and as an aid to regrowth of muscle after atrophy is being investigated.

The goal of Dr. Dupont-Versteegden’s research is to gain a better understanding of processes underlying muscle atrophy and to eventually develop interventions which help maintain muscle mass with disuse and aging, thereby maintaining functional independence in elderly.

Current Projects

• Integrated study of musculoskeletal loss and restoration
• Muscle and Bone Maintenance in Hindlimb Suspended Rats

For a general biographical sketch, click here.

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