Faculty/Staff
Francis X. Pizza, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
College of Health and Human Services
Office: HH1416A
Email: francis.pizza@utoledo.edu
Phone: 419.530.4178
Fax: 419.530.759
Research Interests
Our research focuses on the cellular and molecular processes that restores structure
and function to skeletal muscle injured by physical activity and disease, and that
facilitate muscle growth/hypertrophy after increased muscle use (e.g., resistance
exercise). In particular, we seek to identify mechanisms through which components
of the inflammatory response augment muscle repair/regeneration and hypertrophy. Findings
from our laboratory have identified a novel mechanism through which the inflammatory
response regulates growth processes within skeletal muscle by demonstrating that adhesion
molecules of the inflammatory response regulate regenerative and hypertrophic processes
in skeletal muscle. Results from our studies will help define novel therapeutic targets
that restore structure and function to injured muscles, and facilitate the maintenance
and/or growth of skeletal muscle, particularly in older individuals and those with
inflammatory muscle disease.
Information on our research facilities can be found at the link below:
Exercise Biology Laboratories
Education
Ph.D. Exercise Physiology. The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 1991
M.A. Exercise Physiology. AdelphiUniversity, Garden City, New York, 1988
B.E. Human Performance. The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 1986
Professional Experience
2004 – Present Professor, The University of Toledo, Dept. Kinesiology. Toledo, OH.
1998 - 2004 Associate Professor, The University of Toledo, Dept. Kinesiology. Toledo, OH.
1997 - 1998 Associate Professor, Texas Christian University, Dept. of Kinesiology. Fort Worth, Texas.
1996 - 1997 Research Associate in Space Biology, University of California at Los Angeles. Dept. of Physiological Science. Muscle Cell Biology Lab.
1991 - 1996 Assistant Professor, Texas Christian University, Dept. of Kinesiology. Fort Worth, Texas.
Contact Information
Francis X. Pizza, Ph.D.
School of Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences
Mail Stop # 119
The University of Toledo
2801 W. Bancroft St.
Toledo, Ohio 43606