Directed by Dr. Michael Massett, the overall objectives of the laboratory are to identify biological mediators of adaptations to exercise training and to elucidate the mechanistic basis for chronic diseases associated with low levels of fitness. Currently the laboratory is using genetic/genomic approaches, specifically quantitative trait (QTL) mapping and haplotype analysis, to investigate the genetic basis for individual variation in response to exercise training. These genetic/genomic approaches will be combined with microarray analysis, systems physiology, and biochemistry to identify novel genes associated with exercise training. The novel genes associated with high or low exercise training responses that are identified in this project could eventually be used to develop therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases associated with low levels of fitness such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.