CURRENT RESEARCH:

Our research currently has two major focuses. Using cells in culture and isolated vessels, we are determining how cells respond morphologically, functionally, and genetically to various mechanical stimuli such as cyclic deformation and fluid shear stress, applied individually or simultaneously. Another but related focus is to determine the dynamic mechanical (i.e. stress-strain) properties of normal and abnormal cell and subcellular constituents such as the plasma membrane and cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix proteins. We use experimental techniques such as nanoindentation with atomic force microscopy, laser tweezers, as well as direct measurements. Coupling these data with computational techniques such as the finite-element method, we hope to eventually better understand the stress and strain distribution in cells and their constituents under a variety of conditions. We hope that, with better basic understanding, we can eventually modify and/or control cellular responses. This work has applications to cancer as well as tissue healing and remodeling.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS