Topics include the biosynthesis and degradation of membrane proteins, and the formation of specialized structures, such as gap junctions, in plasma membranes. The last part of the course emphasizes the membranes of excitable cells, with a series of lectures on neurotransmitter receptors, gated channels, second messenger systems, and transport mechanisms. The course begins with a discussion of the factors controlling the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. Next is a consideration of fiber type determination, its relationship to use, and the effects of hypertrophy and atrophy on muscle. The structure, function, and formation of the neuromuscular junction and its relationship to the organization of structures in the extrajunctional region forms the next set of topics.
Emphasis is placed on the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton.
The last part of the course deals with the relationship of activity and hormonal influences to the biochemical properties of muscle. The course meets twice weekly and consists of one lecture and one session for student oral presentations and discussion of assigned research pertinent to the lecture topic. The course requires extensive readings in the original literature and consists of seminars presented by the students and group discussion. One two-hour session per week features readings, presentations by students, and group discussions with selected laboratory demonstration sessions. Topics include freeze fracture and negative stain analysis of membrane structure, localization of antibodies and other probes by fluorescence and electron microscopy, quantitative stereology of membranes, autoradiography, and electron probe analysis.