RESEARCH PROJECTS
Our Current Focus
Simulating micro- and partial gravity
With funding from NASA, Dr. Mortreux created the first ground-based rat analog model of partial gravity, known as the rat Partial Weight-Bearing (PWB) model. Used in conjunction with a modified HindLimb Suspension (HLS) model, this allowed us to simulate gravity shifts, as would be encountered by astronauts traveling to the Lunar and Martian surface.
Mortreux M & Rosa-Caldwell ME, Life 2020
Resveratrol supplementation
We hypothesized that a shift in glucose homeostasis might contribute to muscle deconditioning during exposure to partial gravity, and could explain the myofiber-type switch in weight-bearing muscles (where fibers transition from type 1 to type 2).
We used Trans-Resveratrol (RSV), a common polyphenol found in the diet, and supplemented our animals daily during exposure to simulated Martian gravity.
This experiment showed that RSVmale rats maintained muscle function, muscle mass, and myofiber area. Moreover, myofiber-type switch was not observed in the soleus muscle.
Mortreux M et al., Front Physiol 2019
Based on these results, our current research focuses on assessing the effects of RSV in females exposed to partial gravity, and better understand the metabolic changes that occur. Finding critical actors involved in glucose metabolism and muscle health will help us develop new targeted countermeasures to preserve muscle health, both in space and on Earth.
Simultaneously, we will explore the impact of different nutraceutical strategies known to regulate glucose homeostasis.
Funded Studies
"Characterization of female reproductive health risks for long-duration spaceflight using Federated Machine Learning" - NASA (Collaborator)
"Acute and long-term effects of combined radiation and partial unloading on neurological and musculoskeletal systems in male and female rats" - NASA (Co-Investigator)
"Circadian rhythm disruption and gravitational disturbance in a Lunar mission analog: consequences for muscle function during and after the mission" - NASA (Principal Investigator)
"Countermeasures for mitigation of sensorimotor decrements following head-down bed rest"
- NASA (Co-Investigator)
"Effects of simulated microgravity and partial unloading on organ systems of the body"
- NASA (Co-Investigator)
"Estrogen Receptor Mediated Effects of Resveratrol on Muscle and Glucose Function" - Rhode Island Foundation (Principal Investigator)
"Optimized Nutrition to Support Metabolic Shifts and Muscle Health in a New Human Spaceflight Analog" - NASA Rhode Island EPSCoR (Principal Investigator)
"Assessment of Sialylation in Skeletal Muscle Atrophy due to Simulated Microgravity)
- NASA (Co-Investigator)