Shear stimulated Brillouin microscopy for cell mechanobiology. This project aims to develop novel technology for non-contact imaging of micro-mechanical properties in cells and tissues to answer fundamental questions of cell mechnanobiology. Based on principles of Brillouin light scattering, the project takes advantage of a radio-frequency lock-in detection scheme. The project will result in a real-time, high-sensitivity, non-contact 3D imaging solution for spatial characterisation of cell's loc ....Shear stimulated Brillouin microscopy for cell mechanobiology. This project aims to develop novel technology for non-contact imaging of micro-mechanical properties in cells and tissues to answer fundamental questions of cell mechnanobiology. Based on principles of Brillouin light scattering, the project takes advantage of a radio-frequency lock-in detection scheme. The project will result in a real-time, high-sensitivity, non-contact 3D imaging solution for spatial characterisation of cell's local stiffness and compressibility. This will underpin the advancement of knowledge in the area of cell mechanobiology and the investigation of diseases, where microscale changes in cell mechanical properties lead to cell dysfunction and apoptosis.Read moreRead less
Molecular mechanisms of mechanosensation and shape regulation in cells. This project aims to explore how cells physically sense and respond to the surrounding environment on a molecular level. Physical distortion of erythrocytes doubles their glucose consumption and increases cation membrane flux five-fold. This mechanism involves opening of the mechanosenstive ion channel Piezo1. This project will include a kinetic description of these phenomena, with a goal to establish a predictive mathematic ....Molecular mechanisms of mechanosensation and shape regulation in cells. This project aims to explore how cells physically sense and respond to the surrounding environment on a molecular level. Physical distortion of erythrocytes doubles their glucose consumption and increases cation membrane flux five-fold. This mechanism involves opening of the mechanosenstive ion channel Piezo1. This project will include a kinetic description of these phenomena, with a goal to establish a predictive mathematical model of the regulation of cell-shape and volume. The project will provide an understanding of mechanisms operating when cells and tissues are succumbing to trauma and invasion, and how to control these processes on a molecular level.Read moreRead less