The Muscle and Bone Metabolism department examines the adaptation of the human body to changing environmental conditions, such as microgravity, atmospheric composition, nutrition and physical inactivity. Genetic predisposition and the ageing process are also taken into account, as are the overall effects on health. A good understanding of biomechanics and metabolism helps us to develop efficient measures to counteract muscle atrophy, bone atrophy and metabolic disorders in space. The research also focuses on possible clinical uses, such as in rehabilitation medicine.

Mechanophsiology Muscles and bones are living tissue that requires permanent stress. In weightlessness in space, the relief of muscles and bones quickly leads to tissue breakdown and thus to a risk for long-term missions. Bed rest studies have proven the effectiveness of certain training programs, but the training on the space station is still not 100% effective. A detailed understanding of the tissue mechanics of muscles and bones depending on gravity and physical strain is still lacking. The biomechanics group hopes to close this gap with targeted experiments using computer-supported models. The topic has many points of contact with research into the degradation processes of the musculoskeletal system in old age.

Systemic metabolic interaction The focus of the Systemic Metabolic Interaction work group is on the research of adaptation mechanisms of human skeletal muscles in response to various physiological stress and environmental scenarios. The aim is to better understand the adaptation procedures of the muscles at the functional, structural and regulatory levels, taking into account the interactions with other systems such as the circulatory system and the energy and nutrient balance. One specific focus is also on a better understanding of the interactions between muscles and bones as a functional unit.

Translational metabolism research The research group Translational metabolism led by Dominik Pesta addresses translational research aspects pertaining alterations of energy metabolism in response to different environmental conditions and physiological stimuli. For this purpose, we are conducting hypothesis-driven translational and mechanistic studies with an emphasis on understanding mechanisms underlying alterations in muscle, heart, liver or adipose tissue in response to zero gravity, bed rest or after rehabilitation training. We use state-of-the-art methods to study tissue-specific energy metabolism, including stable isotope labeled tracers to assess in-vivo glucose turnover or high-resolution respirometry for comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Addressing these questions is not only relevant to space flight, but also to numerous ground-based metabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, clinical research aspects derived from synergies with bioastronautics are the second cornerstone of this group.

Training & Countermeasures The Training & Countermeasures work group develops and tests targeted training interventions that should maintain, restore or even increase the functionality of the human locomotive system. Further methods focus on the cardiovascular system and the psychological and operational performance of humans in space. Another important activity is the study of masters athletes as a high-performance cohort that can be compared to the aging astronaut.

Studies of the Department Muscle and Bone Metabolism The department regularly conducts studies, both in the laboratory and in the real world, and even on the International Space Station (ISS). The focus is on research on and for humans, including clinical applications. The spectrum is complemented by in-silico modeling studies in the computer. More

Facilities of the Department Muscle and Bone Metabolism More

Regular Scientific Meetings The annual 'Human Physiology Workshop' offers a podium for young scientists to discuss their latest findings. The event 'KNIMS' (Kompetenznetzwerk Immobilisationsbedingte Muskelstörungen) aims to elucidate the problems of the musculature that arise from physical inactivity. This group involves both experts from the clinic and from basic sciences. The aim here is the clinical exploitation of research in the department. Thirdly, the department organizes an annual teacher training course, jointly with VBIO and DPG. This is to ensure that the research results can be quickly delivered in school lessons. More