Myogenesis is the process by which proliferating and committedmyoblasts exit from the cell cycle and fuse to become multinucleatedmyotubes that express muscle-specific genes; as part of the myogenicprocess, cells that do not successfully exit the cell cycle are removedby apoptosis, but differentiated cells acquire enhanced cell survivalproperties. Myotubes and mature muscle have a unique metabolism, beingresponsible for a substantial proportion of total glucose utilisation.Myogenesis therefore provides an excellent paradigm for theinvestigation of fundamental cell processes.One of the key signalling pathways essential for myoblastdifferentiation and function is PI3 kinase/Akt, essential downstreamtargets of both the insulin- and IGF-receptors whose signalling isnecessary in myoblasts. Akt exists as three isoforms and we haverecently identified a key role for Akt2 (Gonzalez et al. 2004 Mol.Cell. Biol. 24:3607). The aim of this project is to investigate furtherthe role of Akt in myogenesis and muscle metabolism.Type II diabetes is one of the fastest-growing diseases of the Westernworld. A major initial cause is a deficiency in peripheral glucoseuptake. As Akt provides a common link between both the insulin and theIGF receptors, we wish to examine the hypothesis that overexpression ofAkt could increase myoblast sensitivity to insulin/IGF ligands, thusimproving glucose uptake. The project will have a multidisciplinaryapproach: cell signalling, cell culture and biology use of transgenicmice for in vivo and ex vivo studies. Thus, the student will learn arange of molecular and cellular biology and transgenic techniques.This project is related to a Research Council-funded project that isongoing in our lab. The student will therefore have the support of twopostdoctoral associates, as well as other students in the lab. We arelooking for someone who is keen to achieve in research; our lab. ethosis of individual growth while helping with and gaining from being partof a team. Informal enquiries by ‘phone (01223 496454) or e-mail (jenny.pell@bbsrc.ac.uk) are welcome.

Contact:
Dr Jenny Pell
Email: jenny.pell@bbsrc.ac.uk
Tel: 01223 496454