Calcium signalling by intracellular calcium stores in rabbit, mouse and man: implications for muscle performance and athletic ability

We address the vital problem of the calcium signaling in skeletal muscle which underlies essential life functions such as respiration and movement. Calcium kinetics depend on proteins in the intracellular calcium store and determine whether muscles are fast- or slow-twitch and better adapted for weight lifting, endurance or sprint activity. Our hypothesis that different isoforms of the proteins determine calcium kinetics in fast- or slow-twitch fibers and impact on athletic ability will be tested in research extending from isolated proteins to whole muscles. The work has significance in Australia and worldwide as it will fill a knowledge gap and provide therapeutic targets for use in medicine, sports and veterinary science.