Jane Batt

Research Synopsis

Dr. Jane Batt is a Respirologist and Scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto. Her research focuses on delineating the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction in critical illness and acute injury. Examples of current projects in the lab include 1) MEND-ICU – a study of  the molecular mechanisms underpinning  Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW), a complication of critical care that results in lifelong disability due to sustained muscle wasting and contractile dysfunction 2) the development of “Smart Garments” (arm sleeves and leg stockings) that will automate the delivery of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy to ICU patients using artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques, to prevent ICUAW and 3) delineating the cellular mechanisms controlling FAPs mediated fibro-fatty degradation of long-term denervated muscle, using the rat model of tibial nerve transection, so as to develop therapeutic interventions.