University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · PhysiologyThe Muscle Preservation Lab
Susan V Brooks · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Susan V Brooks' lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how muscle function can be preserved as people age. They study the role of Schwann cells—a type of cell that supports nerves—in helping muscles adapt when nerve connections are lost. Their research aims to identify the mechanisms that allow muscle fibers to survive and thrive, particularly in older adults, with the hope of developing new therapies to prevent muscle loss and enhance mobility in aging populations.
Schwann Cellsmuscle functionsarcopeniamotor unitsdenervationmusculoskeletal rehabilitationagingneuroprotectionamyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Research Aims
5AIM 01Define how Schwann cell signaling affects muscle unit expansion during aging.
AIM 02Investigate the effects of age on molecular pathways involving Spp1 and CD44 in Schwann cells.
AIM 03Clarify the relationship between muscle denervation and Schwann cell signaling.
AIM 04Develop therapeutic strategies to enhance muscle health and function in the elderly.
AIM 05Identify potential interventions to prevent muscle loss in neuromuscular disorders like ALS.
Skills the Lab Values
mouse modelssurgical interventionscell culturegenetic modelsbioinformaticsWestern blotRNA sequencingimmunofluorescenceflow cytometry
Output against the department
Publications232top 25% of dept.68th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations13ktop 23% of dept.65th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.