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 the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Our research is focused on

(1) understanding the cellular basis of dysregulated skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance with obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and associated complications.

(2) 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.

The ultimate goal of our research is to develop novel therapeutics in order to treat metabolic diseases and improve metabolic health.