Murine Muscle Mechanics Workshop

• Muscle architecture, principles of function, typical muscles assessed and benefits of in-vivo function
• Fundamental surgical approaches for in-situ and in-vitro methods, including dissection and suturing techniques
• Correct handling of animals, tissues, and test instrumentation
• Tissue viability and animal optimization before, during and after the procedure
• Animal monitoring and analysis of anesthesia options
• Recommendations and optimizations for experimental design

• Performing end-to-end isolated muscle (in-vitro) mechanics of the Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL), Soleus (SOL) and Diaphragm (DIA)
• Performing end-to-end dissection and mechanics testing (in-situ) of Tibialis Anterior (TA) and Quadriceps (Quad)
• Performing end-to-end whole animal (in-vivo) mechanics testing of the Dorsiflexor and Plantarflexor groups
• Common experimental output and data analysis measurements (twitch, tetanus, fatigue, force-frequency, eccentric, force-velocity, etc.)

Dr. Christopher Perry’s research focuses on the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism, particularly how disruptions in metabolic control contribute to muscle weakness in disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cancer cachexia, and chemotherapy-induced muscle weakness. A central aim of his work is to develop novel therapies to enhance muscle fitness and restore metabolic control in these conditions.

Using an integrative approach, Dr. Perry’s laboratory employs preclinical rodent models, human muscle biopsies, and cell cultures to directly assess muscle fitness and mitochondrial bioenergetics. His research emphasizes mitochondrial regulation as a key determinant of muscle function, exploring its role in energy provision, oxidative stress, and calcium homeostasis. This work informs therapeutic strategies in collaboration with international pharmaceutical partners and helps refine exercise therapy regimens for specific disorders.

With a strong commitment to education and collaboration, Dr. Perry frequently shares his methodologies and expertise at specialized international training workshops. His program benefits from diverse collaborations and funding from prestigious organizations, including NSERC, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, and the Rare Disease Foundation, making him a leader in advancing muscle mechanics research.

Dr. Arthur Cheng’s research centers on understanding the cellular mechanisms of skeletal muscle weakness, fatigue, and post-exercise recovery. His laboratory employs translational research approaches, spanning from single muscle fiber studies to whole-animal and human models, with a unique focus on delineating how excitation-contraction coupling in intact muscle fibers influences contractile force generation in both healthy and diseased states.

An overarching aim of Dr. Cheng’s work is knowledge translation: applying research findings to develop pharmacological, nutritional, and exercise-based interventions that enhance muscle strength and fatigue resistance across various populations, including aging and disease-affected groups. His expertise in muscle fiber mechanics, combined with his innovative research methodologies, positions him as a key contributor to advancing therapeutic strategies for improving muscle performance and recovery.