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Jeffrey Kelu

Dr Jeffrey Kelu

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Biography

Dr Jeffrey Kelu joined the Hughes Lab in September 2018. Dr Kelu obtained his PhD in Hong Kong with Professor Andrew Miller at HKUST. His doctoral research was about the characterisation of the role of NAADP/TPC/lysosome-mediated Ca2+ signalling in skeletal muscle and primary motor neuron development in zebrafish embryos.

His current research interest involves the study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the growth of skeletal muscle, with a specific focus on the circadian clock. Using zebrafish larvae as an in vivo model, he recently showed that muscle grows faster in the daytime than at night, which is paralleled by higher diurnal protein anabolism and nocturnal protein catabolism.

It was further demonstrated that the regulation of muscle protein turnover, and hence growth, by the circadian clock are independent of physical activity and nutrition. Deeper study may increase understanding of the effects of circadian rhythm disturbance, as seen in shift-work, lack of sleep and aging, on muscle growth and maintenance.

    Research

    randall-simon-hughes-hero-banner1903x558
    Hughes Group

    The Hughes Group is part of the Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics

    Features

    Muscle growth is higher in the daytime, which is regulated by the biological clock - new study

    Hughes Group has recently discovered a crucial role of the circadian clock in the regulation of muscle growth that is growth independent of physical activity...

    day and night

      Research

      randall-simon-hughes-hero-banner1903x558
      Hughes Group

      The Hughes Group is part of the Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics

      Features

      Muscle growth is higher in the daytime, which is regulated by the biological clock - new study

      Hughes Group has recently discovered a crucial role of the circadian clock in the regulation of muscle growth that is growth independent of physical activity...

      day and night