Sarah Senf
BS, Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida

Student Profile:
Sarah Senf received her BS in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida in 2006. Immediately following graduation she enrolled in the Exercise Physiology Doctoral Program at the University of Florida. During her first two years of work as a graduate assistant, her research has focused largely on the role that heat shock proteins (Hsps) play in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass during atrophic conditions. Sarah joined the NMPT program during her second year and her current research continues to focus on the ability of Hsp70 to regulate specific signaling pathways involved in the progression of skeletal muscle atrophy. Sarah is co-mentored by Drs. Stephen Dodd and Krista Vandenborne.

Research Project Description:
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a consequence of both reduced muscle use (immobilization, unloading, bed rest, denervation, and space flight) and several disease states (cancer, sepsis, diabetes, and uremia). During each of these conditions, the decrease in skeletal muscle mass is accompanied by a decrease in muscle strength and an increase in fatigability. This decrease in muscle mass is due to both a decrease in protein synthesis, and an increase in protein degradation that are mediated via the activation and/or repression of specific cell signaling pathways. Sarah’s research is focused on the role that Heat Shock Proteins play in the regulation of these signaling pathways in skeletal muscle. Her work utilizes in vivo gene transfer to manipulate gene expression and measure transcriptional activity in skeletal muscle, to help determine the direct involvement of Hsp70 in regulating cell signaling events. The ultimate goal of Sarah’s work is to improve our understanding of the proteins that regulate muscle mass, which will lead to the development of specific interventions to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy.

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