Research summary
Every two minutes, a Canadian over the age of 65 will be injured in a fall. Such falls often result in hospitalization, loss of independence or even, in some cases, death. As Canada Research Chair in Endogenous Repair, Dr. Penney Gilbert is developing therapeutics for seniors that increase muscle strength after injuries and decrease the risk of future falls.
Gilbert and her research team are identifying molecules that target and rejuvenate muscle stem cells within aging skeletal muscles. To support this work and test their theories, they are inventing a miniaturized human skeletal muscle tissue model of aging. Ultimately, their findings could help Canada’s aging population maintain muscle strength.