The loss of muscle mass and function that occurs with aging (sarcopenia) not only increases the risk of falls but also impairs the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of lifestyle diseases. However, the mechanisms of sarcopenia remain unclear. With more robust international joint research and the integration of different fields of study, we will work to reveal the mechanisms of the onset of sarcopenia and develop methods to improve and prevent this condition through the perspective of basic research as well as epidemiological and intervention studies.

Skeletal muscles are important organs that not only control body movements in everyday life but also regulate the body’s metabolism. The causes of age-related losses of muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) have been partially attributed to lifestyle factors such as exercise and eating habits. However, lifestyles differ greatly from one country to another, and as such, we chose this topic because we believe it will be possible to identify the fundamental causes of sarcopenia by examining the effects of lifestyle differences on skeletal muscles in various countries.

With this research, our aim is for Ritsumeikan University to become a global base of research on protein metabolism in the skeletal muscles, and to create a space for globally active researchers to gather and collaborate at this university by having it act as a nexus of knowledge. In the future, we would like to develop a research and education environment in which our graduate students and researchers can improve their international research capabilities while respecting diverse value systems, cultures, and customs, through interacting with graduate students and researchers from other countries.

Together with the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, we will use that university’s cohort data and data on middle-aged and older women to extract the diet and exercise factors that cause sarcopenia and then verify these causes in clinical trials in Japan. Working with the University of Nottingham in the UK, we will work to develop and test a new method for evaluating skeletal muscle protein metabolism from the perspective of basic research. These studies will be conducted through exchanges between researchers and graduate students at each university.

By acting as a base for international research through these studies, Ritsumeikan University is expected to become more active in collaborations between industry and academia. In addition to graduate students, undergraduate students will also feel more acquainted with collaborative international research, allowing them to observe and experience how research and development in the sports and health fields is linked with basic and applied research, and how it ties in with the development of products and services. We believe that experiences such as these will facilitate students’ development of higher-level skills in detecting and solving problems.

Partnerships:
We would like to collaborate with both Japanese and foreign pharmaceutical and food product manufacturers to develop drugs and foods to prevent sarcopenia and improve its symptoms in those already affected.

Research collaborations:
When we conduct joint research, the first step is to clarify the mutual advantages and disadvantages of collaboration, and discuss goal-setting that will be beneficial to both parties.