Faculty/Staff
Thomas McLoughlin, Ph.D. |
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Associate Professor, School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences College of Health and Human Services Office: HH 2512 Email: thomas.mcloughlin@utoledo.edu Phone: 419-530-5982 Fax: 419-530-4759 |
Dr. McLoughlin joined the Department of Kinesiology at The University of Toledo as an Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology in January 2004.
Research Scope:
Skeletal muscle is a highly adaptable tissue that responds to various mechanical,
metabolic, and environmental demands through changes in morphology, plasticity, enzyme
capacity, and/or cytosolic composition. These adaptations are accomplished through
modulation in various molecular signaling cascades, resulting in transcriptional and
translational alterations, changes in gene expression patterns, and select protein
modifications. Skeletal muscle atrophy, a process characterized by increased protein
degradation and a decrease in muscle size, is a manifestation of physical inactivity,
aging, neuromuscular injury, and/or various disease processes. Understanding the
molecular regulation and processes associated with skeletal muscle atrophy is necessary
for attenuating losses in skeletal muscle mass and function associated with aging,
injury, and various disease processes, and, ultimately, improving the overall quality
of life in a multitude of individuals.
Current Research:
Our lab is involved in several projects investigating the molecular regulation of
skeletal muscle growth and the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass associated with
physical activity and inactivity. Specifically, Forkhead (FoxO) proteins constitute
a sub-family of winged-helix transcription factors (i.e. FoxO1, FoxO3, and FoxO4)
responsible for maintaining cell survival, proliferation and metabolic regulation.
Currently, our lab is investigating the contribution of FoxO1 in regulating the
interplay between skeletal muscle growth and metabolic flux.
EDUCATION
Postdoctoral Research Associate , 10/01-12/03
The Muscle Biology Laboratory
The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60608
Supervisor: Karyn A. Esser, Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy , Applied Physiology, 8/01
Minor: Research and Measurement
The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606
Dissertation Title: Neutrophil-mediated skeletal myotube injury: the contribution of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates
Master of Arts , Exercise Physiology, 8/96
Adelphi University, Garden City, New York 11530
Bachelor of Science , Athletic Training/Exercise Science, 5/95
Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York 14850