Led by Roman Madelaine, Ph.D., the team engineered a zebrafish line, “atrofish,” in which muscle atrophy can be rapidly induced through controlled genetic activation. Unlike natural aging, which unfolds over years, this model reproduces key features of muscle decline within days, enabling faster mechanistic studies and therapeutic testing.

The researchers identified early loss of structural muscle proteins, increased protein breakdown, and changes in neuromuscular connectivity — findings that parallel features observed in human aging muscle. The model also revealed evidence that muscle degeneration may actively influence nerve cell decline, highlighting a dynamic interaction between muscle and nervous systems during aging.

By compressing decades of biological aging into a short experimental window, this model provides a valuable tool for identifying early molecular drivers of sarcopenia and accelerating the search for interventions to preserve muscle function.

Read the full story on the MDI Biological Laboratory website: 

Zebrafish are widely used in scientific research because they share many genetic similarities with humans and allow researchers to observe developmental and regenerative processes in real time. The expanded facility at 91���� is strengthening the university’s ability to contribute to global research efforts, while also providing hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.

Current projects in the lab focus on understanding muscle development, cell movement, and the genetic mechanisms that influence tissue repair and regeneration. These efforts have the potential to inform new approaches to treating human diseases and improving long-term health outcomes.

The lab also plays an important role in outreach and workforce development by engaging students, supporting collaborative research initiatives, and helping to attract future scientists to the field.

Read the full Bangor Daily News story to learn more about the lab’s impact and ongoing research: