A5017402732- Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
- Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications
- Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques
- 3D Printing in Biomedical Research
- Microtubule and mitosis dynamics
- Erythrocyte Function and Pathophysiology
- Protein Structure and Dynamics
- Tendon Structure and Treatment
- Blood properties and coagulation
- Mechanical and Optical Resonators
- Skin and Cellular Biology Research
- Cardiomyopathy and Myosin Studies
- Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies
- Digital Holography and Microscopy
- Ion channel regulation and function
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Protein Kinase Regulation and GTPase Signaling
- Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Cell Adhesion Molecules Research
- Ultrasound and Hyperthermia Applications
- Rheology and Fluid Dynamics Studies
- Cellular transport and secretion
- Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
- Reproductive Biology and Fertility
Duke University
2016-2025
Pratt Institute
2024-2025
Durham Technical Community College
2024
University of Virginia
2009-2014
University of Pennsylvania
2003-2007
We report the first measurements of intrinsic strain fluctuations living cells using a recently-developed tracer correlation technique along with theoretical framework for interpreting such data in heterogeneous media non-thermal driving. The fluctuations' spatial and temporal correlations indicate that cytoskeleton can be treated as course-grained continuum power-law rheology, driven by spatially random stress tensor field. Combined recent cell rheology results, our imply intracellular have...
Although understanding cells' responses to mechanical stimuli is seen as increasingly important for cell biology, how best measure, interpret, and model properties remains unclear. We determine the frequency-dependent shear modulus of cultured mammalian cells by using four different methods, both unique well established. This approach clarifies effects cytoskeletal heterogeneity, ATP-dependent processes, regional variations on interpretation such measurements. Our results clearly indicate...
We exploit the power of microrheology to measure viscoelasticity entangled F-actin solutions at different length scales from 1 100 microm over a wide frequency range. compare behavior single probe-particle motion that correlated two particles. By varying average filaments, we identify fluctuations dissipate diffusively filament length. These provide an important relaxation mechanism elasticity between 0.1 and 30 rad/sec.
The nucleus has long been postulated to play a critical physical role during cell polarization and migration, but that not defined or rigorously tested. Here, we enucleated cells test the necessity of directed migration. Using mammalian (cytoplasts), found polarity establishment migration in one dimension (1D) two dimensions (2D) occur without nucleus. Cytoplasts directionally migrate toward soluble (chemotaxis) surface-bound (haptotaxis) extracellular cues collectively scratch-wound assays....
Molecular tension sensors have contributed to a growing understanding of mechanobiology. However, the limited dynamic range and inability specify mechanical sensitivity these has hindered their widespread use in diverse contexts. Here, we systematically examine components that can be altered improve functionality. Guided by development first principles model describing behavior sensors, create collection exhibit predictable sensitivities significantly improved performance cellulo. Utilized...
Microarchitectural cues drive aligned fibrillar collagen deposition in vivo and biomaterial scaffolds, but the cell-signaling events that underlie this process are not well understood. Utilizing a multicellular patterning model system allows for observation of intracellular signaling during matrix assembly, we investigated role calcium (Ca2+) human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) process. We observed spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations MSCs hypothesized transient receptor potential vanilloid 4...
Activation of Rac1 and related Rho GTPases involves dissociation from RhoGDI translocation to membranes, where they bind effectors. Previous studies suggested that Rac membrane binding requires co-localizes with cholesterol-rich, liquid-ordered (lo) domains, called lipid rafts. Here, we develop a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay robustly detects targeting in living cells. Surprisingly, FRET acceptor constructs targeted either raft or non-raft regions indicated was present...
Abstract Mechanobiology, the study of how mechanical forces affect cellular behavior, is an emerging field that has garnered broad and significant interest. Researchers are currently seeking to better understand signals transmitted, detected, integrated at a subcellular level. One tool for addressing these questions Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based tension sensor, which enables measurement molecular‐scale across proteins based on changes in emitted light. However, reliability...
Electrotransfection is a widely used method for delivering genes into cells with electric pulses. Although different hypotheses have been proposed, the mechanism of electrotransfection remains controversial. Previous studies indicated that uptake and intracellular trafficking plasmid DNA (pDNA) are mediated by endocytic pathways, but it still unclear which pathways directly involved in delivery. To this end, present study investigated dependence on macropinocytosis. Data from demonstrated...
Basement membrane (BM) extracellular matrices enwrap and structurally support tissues. Whether BMs are uniquely constructed to tissues that undergo repetitive stretching recoil events is unknown. During C. elegans ovulation, the spermathecal BM stretches ~1.7-fold then returns its original shape every twenty minutes passage hundreds of oocytes. Through live fluorescence microscopy, we discovered ovulating oocytes secrete deliver fibulin-1 matrix protein during stretching, where it forms a...