Among the characteristics of this condition are differences in the responses of satellite cells from these individuals to growth factors. Satellite cells were recently isolated and cultured from an animal model of muscular dystrophy to identify the mechanism whereby thyroid hormone alleviates symptoms of the disorder. Cytokines are able to influence the course of the immune response to an infectious agent, either pathologically or therapeutically. Recombinant cytokines are being used as part of treatment regimens for cancer and infectious disease, and as immunostimulants for vaccines and immunocompromised hosts. We are investigating the recombinant expression and therapeutic use of cytokines in the horse.
Cytokines also have an effect on other systems as well.
Certain cytokines are critical in the development and regeneration of muscle tissue. From this observation, recombinant cytokines can also be used to influence muscle development and to treat traumatic muscle injury. The overall focus of Dr. Dodson's research program is to increase the efficiency of lean meat production in domestic animals. This research program is designed to address three main problems. For these research problems, whole-animal, cell culture, biochemical and molecular biological techniques are employed.