Exercise for Persons with chronic Diseases and Disabilities

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Why study a MSc in Molecular Exercise Physiology?
Dr Henning Wackerhage
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Why Molecular Exercise Physiology?
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Foreword
Exercise science has started on the whole
organism level and subsequently the organ, cell,
biochemical and molecular levels have been added.
Each new level has made research in our field
more mechanistic and has increased the quality of
knowledge. For example we have moved from the
discovery that exercise increases stamina to the
molecular mechanisms that regulate
stamina-increasing adaptations such as
mitochondrial biogenesis or angiogenesis. The
organism, organ and sometimes biochemical levels
are taught well as part of undergraduate courses
in sports and exercise science in the UK and
abroad. This is, however, not the case for
molecular techniques and molecular exercise
physiology knowledge. We have thus developed a
MSc in Molecular Exercise Physiology with the aim
to teach graduates hands on in key molecular
techniques that are of relevance for exercise
science and to give an introduction into this new
field which we call molecular exercise physiology.
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What is Molecular Exercise Physiology?
Molecular Exercise Physiology is an abbreviated
version of the term Molecular and Cellular
Exercise Physiology which was used by Booth on
the title of a review paper in 1988. We define
this field as follows (for now) Molecular
exercise physiology is the study of genetics and
signal transduction in relation to exercise.
Molecular exercise physiologists aim to identify
the genetic determinants of human performance on
a molecular level and characterize the mechanisms
responsible for adaptation of cells and organs to
exercise. Spurway and Wackerhage (2006)
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So why should you study a MSc in Molecular
Exercise Physiology?
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Because top exercise physiologists say so
When asked where do you see the exercise field
heading in the next 20 years? leading
exercise physiologists answered David L Costill
David L This field has moved from whole body
measurements to molecular biology . To
fully understand the physiology of exercise, the
answers lie at the subcellular level. Students
need solid training in chemistry and molecular
biology to contribute to knowledge over the next
20 years. Claude Bouchard the field of
exercise will incorporate the advances of
molecular biology and genetics, something that it
has failed to do in the past 10 years. Steven N
Blair Genetic epidemiology will make important
contributions to our understanding of which
individuals are at greatest risk of a sedentary
way of life. From McArdle WD, Katch FI Katch
VL Exercise Physiology. 5th ed. Lippincott,
Williams Wilkins 2005.
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Because it is published in top journals
Mitochondrial biogenesis AMPK and protein
synthesis
PGC-1a marathon mice Myoglobin-free mice
Myostatin super toddler
Titin kinase and muscle growth
Calcineurin fibre type
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Because you will have a unique set of skills

Classical exercise physiology and sports science
techniques (Your undergraduate degree)
Molecular biology and biochemistry skills (MSc in
Molecular Exercise Physiology)
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And because it makes the big news
A very muscular baby . (Myostatin mutation)
All pain, no gain? (Exercise genetics)
'Marathon' mouse keeps on running (PPAR mice)
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Because it is practically relevant
Example 1 Genetic disorders are often
responsible for sudden death during exercise.
Genetic testing can be used to diagnose athletes
that are at risk. Example 2 AMPK activates
mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibits protein
synthesis. It is inhibited by glycogen among
other. Thus we can promote endurance training
adaptations by training low on glycogen and
muscle growth by training high on glycogen.
Example 3 Certain variations in the ACTN3 gene
are not found in elite speed and power athletes.
Thus genetic testing for this gene can
potentially be used to identify those that are
unlikely to become an elite speed and power
athlete. Is such testing ethical, though?
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MSc in Molecular Exercise Physiology at the
University of Aberdeen
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Course content
PY5001 Mechanisms that regulate adaptation to
exercise. Mechanisms that regulate adaptation to
endurance and resistance exercise. Athletes
heart versus pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
PY5002 MEP techniques. Backbone of the
programme hands on training in key biochemical
and molecular techniques. MB5002 Genetic
techniques. Cloning, PCR, linkage analysis the
tools for genetics. MB5004 Human Population
genetics. Links genes to traits. PY5501 MEP
topics. Various topics including bioinformatics
for exercise physiologists, evolutionary origins
of adaptive responses and mechanisms by which
exercise improves disease. PY5503 Research
project in Molecular Exercise Physiology. Project
to apply the knowledge gained throughout the
course.
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Techniques that you will learn hands on
Introduction to wet lab work followed by
Fibre typing methods, enzyme assays
DNA, RNA extraction, genetic testing RT-PCR
Protein extraction Western blotting
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What is Aberdeen like?
University facts Founded in 1495 by William
Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen. Old Aberdeen
campus with Oxbridge atmosphere, Mecial
Sciences are taught on the Foresterhill campus
with hospital. 13000 full time students. See
www.abdn.ac.uk Aberdeen facts 200,000
inhabitants, chief commercial centre and seaport
in the north-east of Scotland. Often referred to
as the oil capital of Europe. Airport (top 10 in
the UK by number of flights) just outside the
city. Aberdeen climate Aberdeen lies in the
rain shadow of the Cairngorms (i.e it is
relatively dry) and lies by the sea. For climate
stats see http//uk.weather.com/weather/climatolo
gy/UKXX0001 Sport Aberdeen FC defeated Real
Madrid to win the UEFA Cup winners cup in 1983.
Lots of sport facilities. Aberdeen is close to
the great outdoors long sandy beaches locally
and the Scottish Highlands begin just outside the
city.
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How do I apply?
If you have questions regarding the course,
contact Henning Wackerhage h.wackerhage_at_abdn.ac.u
k Questions about how to apply
graduateschool-clsm_at_abdn.ac.uk MSc website
http//www.abdn.ac.uk/sms/postgraduate/molecular-e
xercise-physiology.shtml Application form
http//www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/word_docs/pgapp.doc Ple
ase do not hesitate to contact us if you have any
questions.
Further reading
or
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