1. Effect of myostatin blockade and hindlimb suspension on leg muscle protein composition Jane Doe

2. Acknowledgements Dr. Strode, my SRS teacher, for all of his guidance and support. Dr. Louis Stodieck, my mentor, for devoting his time to teaching me the procedure and for educating me about the current research on myostatin blockade All of the scientists at Bio-Serve technologies for allowing me to work in their lab at the University of Colorado. My Parents for their never ending advice and encouragement.

3. Mechanical unloading of the skeletal system is common for various populations that are recovering from spinal cord injuries, physical restrictions, diseases, or microgravity effects of spaceflight. Spinal muscular atrophy, rare genetic disorder

4. Inhibition of myostatin results in an increase in muscle mass and strength, but its effect on dry weight has not been shown. The Hindlimb suspension model was used to mimic muscle atrophy

5. Hypothesis: Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass and muscle mass correlates to protein content. Prediction: The blockade of myostatin in mice should lead to increased protein content.

6. I will perform a BioRad DC protein assay for a total protein sample and a soluble protein sample. The samples will be obtained by centrifuging and collecting the supernatant. I will then measure spectroscopic absorbance at 750nm. BioRad DC protein assay Experimental Design

7. Statistical Analysis: I will perform nine total ANOVA tests to test for the effect of hindlimb suspension, myostatin blockade drug, and recovery on total protein content, soluble protein content, and myofibrillar protein content, respectively. Null Hypothesis rejection level will be set at α = 0.05. Experimental Design

8. Predicted Results Figure 6. Stripped bars are total protein content of placebo treated mice and dotted bars are total protein content of drug treated mice. Error bars are standard mean values. Total Protein for 8 experimental groups Total Protein

9. Figure 6. Stripped bars are total protein content of placebo treated mice and dotted bars are total protein content of drug treated mice. Error bars are standard mean values. Soluble Protein for 8 experimental groups Soluble Protein Predicted Results

10. Figure 6. Stripped bars are total protein content of placebo treated mice and dotted bars are total protein content of drug treated mice. Error bars are standard mean values. Myofibrillar Protein for 8 experimental groups Predicted Results