Philp Laboratory
Research in the Philp Laboratory aims to understand the factors that cause age-associated muscle weakness to develop therapeutics to prevent sarcopenia. A fundamental cellular process thought to be involved in this problem is the development of mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to a reduction in energy production in our cells.
About the Philp Laboratory
The two most common age-associated musculoskeletal conditions are osteoporosis (loss of bone) and sarcopenia (loss of muscle), which lead to pain and weakness of the musculoskeletal system.
Sarcopenia is considered ‘primary’ (or age-related) when no other cause is evident, while sarcopenia is considered ‘secondary’ when additional factors to ageing are evident, such as physical inactivity, injury or additional confounding diseases.
Sarcopenia leads to frailty, loss of mobility, an increased risk of falls/fractures, a diminished quality of life, and in some cases premature mortality. 3.7 million people in Australia are currently over 65 years old, with projections suggesting this number will more than double to ~8.7 million by 2050. It has been estimated that ~30% of those aged 75-84 suffer from sarcopenia, indicating that ~330,000 people in Australia would currently be considered sarcopenic, with this number predicted to exceed 780,000 by 2050. It is currently unknown why our musculoskeletal system gets weaker as we age, and what biological cues dictate the rate and severity of this transition.
Recent research suggests that skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction may be causal in the development of sarcopenia. Dr Philp’s current research, supported by the NHMRC, Rebecca L. Cooper Medical Research Foundation and MitoRx, is investigating whether pharmacological approaches to increase mitochondrial activity in skeletal muscle can be used for the treatment and prevention of sarcopenia.
Centre for Healthy Ageing
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Associate Professor Andy Philp
Head, Centre for Healthy Ageing
People
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Associate Professor Andy Philp
Head, Centre for Healthy Ageing
Student Opportunities
Postdoctoral and postgraduate students can work alongside world-leading medical researchers, with state-of-the-art facilities, in direct collaboration with the University of Sydney, UTS and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
To learn more about student opportunities in the Philp Laboratory and for all general enquiries relating to our work, please contact Associate Professor Philp.
