Keenan Research Centre
Scientist Profiles
Jane A.E. Batt
PhD, University of Toronto; MD, McMaster; B.Sc.Phm., University of Toronto
Affiliations
Scientist in the Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital
Respirologist and Clinician Scientist, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Clinical Specialty
Internal medicine, respirology
Research Interests
Skeletal muscle atrophy, ubiquitin ligases
Selected Publications
Research Activities
I am a new investigator at St. Michael's Hospital and am establishing my laboratory. My research interests involve delineation of the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is a key determinant of mortality in end stage lung disease such as COPD, and a significant contributor to morbidity associated with many diseases such as COPD, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis. The predominant manner by which muscle protein is broken down is via ubiquitin proteasome mediated degradation: using a rat model of skeletal muscle atrophy we have identified several ubiquitin ligases that may be involved in the development of muscle atrophy, including for example, Nedd4. We are currently mapping the intracellular signaling networks engaged by these ligases that result in the loss of muscle mass and studying cohorts of patients with COPD and PHT to determine which known mediators of muscle atrophy identified in rodent models are actually active in the muscles of patients. Identification of mediators of muscle atrophy in patients will allow the development of interventions that can complement rehabilitation to significantly improve patient function, independence and well being.
Educational Activities
I have an appointment in the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto and am currently accepting students.
Contact
Phone: 416-946-0420
E-mail: jane.batt@utoronto.ca
