University of Florida · PharmacologyThe NeuroMuscle Lab
Mei He · Gainesville, Florida
Research Focus
Dr. Mei He's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how aging affects the relationship between the brain and muscles, especially in the context of space travel. By studying extracellular vesicles, which are small particles that carry information between cells, the lab aims to uncover potential therapies that could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This research could lead to effective ways to keep astronauts healthier during long missions in microgravity and improve aging-related health on Earth as well.
brain-muscle axisextracellular vesiclesagingneuromuscular communicationmicrogravity
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of extracellular vesicles in brain-muscle communication during aging.
AIM 02Develop a microphysiological system to study brain-muscle physiology in microgravity.
AIM 03Assess the effects of aging on cellular signaling pathways in muscle and brain.
AIM 04Identify molecular targets for therapeutic interventions to combat aging-related diseases.
AIM 05Evaluate the regenerative potential of EVs in preventing age-associated decline.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureextracellular vesicle isolationmicrophysiological systemsmolecular biology techniquesanimal modelshigh-throughput screeningdata analysis using PythonWestern blottingelectroencephalography
Output against the department
Publications211top 40% of dept.187th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations8.3ktop 45% of dept.208th of 462
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.