Quantitative Analysis Core

ABSTRACT Core D Core D will provide computational modeling support, data analytical tools and services, and structured educational and outreach activities on these topics to investigators in the CTMR. Core D will enable the transformation of the field of muscle and movement sciences by providing support and access to approaches from biology, engineering, and computing, that will lead a new understanding of multi-scale muscle biophysics – from molecules to movement. In doing so, we seek to develop a unified theory of muscle that explains the underpinnings of muscle development and aging, physiologic structure-function, disease-mediated dysfunction, and the systemic impact of muscle behavior and plasticity. Core D will provide invaluable multi-scale computational tools and visualization platforms to be used in research on metabolism (energy supply) and mechanical (energy demand/use), how these changes in developing and aging muscle, and how they are altered in skeletal muscle disease. In doing so, the core will develop models that are informative and provide predictive power that can guide experimental design and suggest targets for development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat disease. The open-source models and analytical tools developed in this core will accelerate the pace of translational muscle research. Finally, Core D will offer regular educational activities through time-bound co-learning and co-creation activities like “hackweeks” and shorter, low barrier to engagement opportunities like lunch workshops.