Sylow Group - Molecular Metabolism in Cancer and Ageing

We investigate the regulatory mechanisms governing muscle mass and insulin signaling in various health conditions, including ageing, cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. To achieve this objective, we employ several models and methods, such as in vitro muscle and fat cell systems, cloning, preclinical mouse models of obesity and cancer, recombinant adeno-associated virus skeletal muscle transfections, inducible conditional knockout mice, and human subjects and tissue materials.

Laboratory LEAF certified standard for sustainable laboratory operations:

Laboratory-based research is highly resource-intensive. Labs contribute to 2% of global plastic waste and consume 3-10 times more energy per meter squared than an average office. By joining the LEAF program, we try to reduce our carbon emissions and create an environment that supports research quality.

Our laboratories are awarded the Gold level

• Independent Research Fund - Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
• Danish Cancer Society –Kræftens Bekæmpelse
• Helsefonden
• Aase og Ejnar Danielsens Fond
• Lundbeck Foundation
• Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy
• Novo Nordisk Foundation
• Kong Christian den Tiendes Fond
• Innovation Fund Denmark
• Carlsberg Foundation

Research theme 1: Healthy after cancer

This research theme aims to identify the molecular causes of metabolic dysfunctions in cancer with a focus on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue metabolism. Cancer causes skeletal muscle insulin resistance and elevates type 2 diabetes incidence, which in turn increased cancer mortality. Moreover, cancer patients are at high risk of developing muscle loss (cachexia). Insulin resistance and cachexia increase treatment toxicity and reduce patient survival but there is currently no treatment. Elucidation of new pathways that coordinate muscle insulin resistance and cachexia is a major challenge and an untapped opportunity for therapeutics in cancer.

It is well-known that metabolic perturbations, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, cancer patients with diabetes or obesity have a much higher risk of death and increased likelihood of cancer recurrence than lean otherwise healthy cancer patients.

In particular, breast and lung cancer are associated with impaired metabolic regulation and insulin resistance. Our current research examines the presence and molecular causes of cancer-induced metabolic dysregulation in cell models, mouse models, as well as people with cancer. We investigate the role of physical activity, inflammation, altered fat metabolism, and intracellular molecular signaling in cancer-associated insulin resistance in muscle and fat.

Research theme 2: Identification of muscle molecules that orchestrate the beneficial effects of exercise

Exercise is the most effective means to prevent non-communicable diseases and promote health. This project identifies novel muscle molecules that orchestrate the beneficial effects of exercise.

Exercise acutely promotes health benefits, such as promoting skeletal muscle glucose uptake, increasing energy utilization, as well as increasing insulin sensitivity in the hours after the exercise bout. In addition to the acute effects of one exercise bout, regular exercise training elicits longer-term benefits, such as increased mitochondria mass and function, amplified capillarization, upregulation of metabolically important proteins, optimization of substrate utilization, and muscle hypertrophy.

All these adaptations benefit our health. This project investigates the intracellular molecular mechanisms regulated by exercise that mediate these effects with a focus on mitochondrial and muscle mass regulation.

Research theme 3: Metabolism and muscle wasting in ageing and disease

Ageing and certain diseases, such as cancer, often result in loss of muscle mass. Muscle wasting can cause dysregulated metabolism due to reduced muscle mass. Additionally, the remaining muscle often does not function optimally metabolically. Thus ageing- (sarcopenia) and cancer- (cachexia) related muscle wasting is often associated with poor glycemic regulation and skeletal muscle insulin resistance.

Our research is exploring how cancer and old age affect muscle mass and metabolic processes in muscle and other metabolically active tissues.

In that context, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms by which exercise fosters enhanced muscle function and improves health. Our hope is that identifying the molecular causes of age-, cancer-, and diabetes related muscle decline and the mechanisms by which exercise benefit those conditions, we can develop new and better strategies for treating such conditions.

Research theme 4: Rho GTPases as novel players in metabolism and muscle mass regulation

Rho GTPases are small molecules that regulate many different processes in the cells, such as cell division and vesicle transport. We are investigating how these molecules are regulated in skeletal muscle and what role they play in muscle metabolism.

We are studying the Rho GTPases expressed in skeletal muscle and have identified Rac1 as a critical regulator of glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, which is a novel player in skeletal muscle insulin resistance in conditions of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This project is further elucidating novel regulators of the Rho GTPase pathways, including the chaperone, GDIa, which is an inhibitor Rho GTPases.

This research theme explores the role for Rho GTPases in skeletal muscle mass and insulin sensitivity regulation and identify their up- and down-stream regulators.

We strive for excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We work with the common goal to identify mechanisms that, at the molecular level, regulate muscle mass, function, and metabolism in health and disease.

We welcome any background, race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, and identity. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. Inclusion is how we unleash the power of diversity. Diversity is the prerequisite for innovation, creativity, and excellence. We follow the University’s policy and do not tolerate any forms of bullying, sexual harassment or other kinds of offensive behavior towards anyone. We are committed to fostering belonging and empowerment at work for all.

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