Welcome
The Muscle Metabolism and Physiology Lab (MMPL) is a research group led by Dr. Kai Zou in the Department of Exercise and Health Sciences at UMass Boston.
Research Focus
- Understanding the cellular basis of dysregulated skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance with obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and associated complications.
- Understanding how lifestyle modification (e.g., diet and exercise) improves energy metabolism, mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity.
We utilize an integrative approach by combining human primary muscle cells, mouse model and human biopsy samples to examine potential mechanisms whereby muscle energy metabolism and mitochondrial function are regulated under different conditions.T
The ultimate goal of our research is to develop novel therapeutics in order to treat metabolic diseases and improve metabolic health.
Explore the Lab
Join Our Team
The Muscle Metabolism and Physiology Laboratory welcomes motivated students and researchers at all career stages who are passionate about exercise physiology, skeletal muscle physiology, mitochondrial biology, and translating fundamental discoveries into therapies that improve human health.
Lab Life
Contact Us
Kai Zou, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Department of Exercise and Health Sciences
Quinn Building, UL Level, Rm Q-UL-32M
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd,
Boston, MA 02125
P: 617.287.7282
E: kai.zou@umb.edu
Laboratory
Integrated Science Complex (ISC), 1320
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd,
Boston, MA 02125