Simon J. Lees, Ph.D.

In the Skeletal Muscle Cell Biology Lab, we study several areas in biomedical research.  We have a fully translational program with projects spanning cell-based research, pre-clinical animal models, and clinical/rehabilitation programs. These include:

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• Studying the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, and a diminished capacity for skeletal muscle regeneration. 
   

• Investigating the influence of low-dose radiation on cell function.

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• Determining the effects of in utero stress on metabolism.
   

• Examining mechanisms leading to improved glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.

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• Investigating brown adipose tissue metabolism using micro positron emission tomography (microPET).

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• Leading multidisciplinary teams involving physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, dietitians, and research assistants in the community, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres.  These purpose of these projects is to establish evidence-based changes to standard of care. These include:

  • Enhanced recovery programs following total joint arthroplasty​

  • Establishing new prehabilitation treatment protocols prior to total joint arthroplasty

  • Establishing activity recovery programs to treat post-concussive syndrome

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• Exploring novel combination cancer therapies using microPET.