Physiology

JOHN MCCARTHY, Ph.D. Associate Professor Ph.D. University of Oregon, 1995 Office: MS-583 Medical Center 0298 Tel: (859) 323-8083 Lab: MS-541, MS-533 Tel: (859) 323-8079, (859) 323-8083 E-mail: jjmcca2@uky.edu Curriculum Vita (pdf)

As a member of the Esser lab, my primary research interest is to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle hypertrophy. In collaboration with Drs. Peterson and Dupont-Versteegden, of the College of Health Sciences here at the University of Kentucky, I am investigating the necessity of satellite cells in muscle hypertrophy and re-growth following muscle atrophy. Using a genetic mouse model to specifically ablate satellite cells in adult skeletal muscle, we have discovered that satellite cells do not appear to be necessary for muscle hypertrophy. Studies are underway to identify the compensatory mechanism that allows muscle to hypertrophy independent of satellite cells. In addition to these studies, I am also studying the intracellular signaling pathways regulating muscle growth in response to a hypertrophic stimulus. In particular, we are interested in better understanding how the mTOR signaling pathway is regulated during growth as well as the role that ribosome biogenesis has in skeletal muscle hypertrophy.  Finally, I am also interested in the role that microRNAs have in skeletal muscle plasticity with a primary focus on muscle hypertrophy.  

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