Adam Philip Sharples

Adam Philip Sharples is a Professor at the Department of Physical Performance of the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation of skeletal muscle in response to exercise and aging, including the discovery of epigenetic memory in muscle cells. He teaches Cell Biology, Molecular Physiology, and Epigenetics courses.

• Background: Former professional rugby player (UK), PhD in skeletal muscle aging, postdoc in 3D muscle cultures.
• Previous Positions: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader at Liverpool John Moores University, Director of MSc in Cell & Tissue Biology at Keele University.
• Funding: 10 million NOK from the Research Council of Norway to study muscle memory of aging and atrophy.

Research Interests center on:

• Epigenetic memory of muscle growth/wasting
• Proteomic and epigenomic responses to exercise
• Molecular mechanisms of muscle adaptation
• Role of novel molecules in muscle dynamics

Recent publications (2025-2023) highlight his work on DNA methylation, proteomic signatures, and epigenetic imprints in skeletal muscle, with studies on resistance training, HIIT, and endurance exercise across diverse populations. His group combines multi-omics integration and cellular models to unravel mechanisms of muscle memory and aging.

Labs & Teams: Leads a research group at NIH investigating skeletal muscle epigenetics, collaborating with institutions like Liverpool John Moores and Keele University.