Jeff Dilworth shooting dead and obituary, Queen's University Kingston,

Unveiling the Marvels of Muscle Regeneration: Dr. Jeff Dilworth’s Remarkable Research Journey

Over a decade ago in France, a 95-year-old man left a unique legacy by donating his body to science. Even six days after his demise, researchers managed to breathe life into his muscle stem cells, transforming them into extraordinary muscle-making super cells. This unconventional study ignited the curiosity of our very own Dr. Jeff Dilworth, a senior scientist in The Ottawa Hospital’s Regenerative Medicine Program.

Dr. Dilworth, who leads the Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research and the Sinclair Centre for Regenerative Medicine, was captivated by the prospect of cultivating new muscles despite the advanced age at which the donor passed away. His expertise lies in the realm of epigenetics, a field he defines as “what makes our stem cells supercharged when we’re young and completely ineffective when we’re old.”

Notably, Dr. Dilworth’s groundbreaking research earned him The Ottawa Hospital’s Chrétien Researcher of the Year Award in 2021. His team made a pivotal discovery related to muscle repair that shattered previous beliefs about the behavior of muscle stem cells during the healing process.

Traditionally, it was believed that muscle stem cells follow a balanced division to repair injuries, creating just enough muscle fibers for immediate repair while preserving sufficient stem cells for future needs. However, Dr. Dilworth’s research unveiled a different narrative. In cases of catastrophic injury, muscle stem cells leap into action, prioritizing immediate repair over self-preservation. They then backtrack to replace the stem cells, revealing an intricate process previously unknown.

Beyond his groundbreaking work in the lab, Dr. Dilworth finds solace in nature. When not immersed in award-winning research, he can be found hiking with his wife and their two canine companions—an Alaskan malamute and a Great Pyrenees-foxhound cross. Additionally, he indulges his passion for wine by taking courses, showcasing a multifaceted individual dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of science and embracing life’s diverse pleasures.