Gretchen A. Meyer, PhD
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Neurology, Orthopaedic Surgery
- Phone: 314-286-1425
- Email: meyerg@wustl.edu
Research Interest
Complications
Signal Transduction/Hormone Action
Category(ies) of Research
Basic
Descriptor of Research
In Type 2 Diabetes, the accumulation of ectopic fat (intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT)) in muscles of the lower limb is highly correlated with poor glucose handling, insulin resistance and reductions in muscle strength that contribute to functional limitations and disability. My lab is investigating the signals that drive the formation of IMAT and the mechanisms by which IMAT-muscle cross-talk regulates muscle dysfunction in diabetes. We hypothesize that IMAT accumulation can be used therapeutically both as an early biomarker to indicate the onset of peripheral neuropathy and as a therapeutic target where IMAT-muscle cross-talk can be modulated by sympathetic stimulation. These studies will contribute to our understanding of how to best design interventions to improve muscle performance and increase mobility and activity, keys to managing diabetes.