The effect of oxygen insufficiency on muscle function at sea level, in the mountains (Himalayas) and during the transition between the two.

The research of Dr. Khurana, a Professor of Physiology and a member of the Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, is focused upon molecular mechanisms underlying muscle specializations and the patho-physiology of muscle diseases.

In an article published last summer, Khurana identified a gene for endurance, or more precisely, a negative regulator of it. The research showed that the gene is linked to Olympic-level athletes in endurance sports such as swimming compared to athletes in sprint sports such as the 100-meter dash. Importantly, the study demonstrates that muscles can be reprogrammed to perform much better at endurance sports and hence the genetic manipulation is of great importance from an athletic doping standpoint. Currently, methods to detect its misuse by athletes do not exist. Khurana's work has implications for improving muscle performance in disease states including metabolic disorders, obesity, and aging.

The luncheon is at 12:00 noon on Monday, January 23, 2011, in the Lenape Room of the University Club.