description:

From the dynamic pushing & pulling during development to the stiffening of diseased tissue, cells in their native environment are subjected to a constant barrage of mechanical signals. We are interested in characterizing different cellular responses to dynamic forces, strains, and rigidities to better understand the molecular mechanism by which cells sense the mechanics of their microenvironment. How does a single cell adapt to a sudden change in stiffness? How does strain of the extracellular matrix affect branching morphogenesis? How does the strength of a single platelet contribute to clot formation? We are developing novel techniques and approaches to address these and further questions of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction.

scientists:

Fluorescently lableled mammary epithelial cells growing into a collagen matrix (1,3)
    Gautham Venugopalan and Doug Brownfield
Fluorescently labeled Type I collagen fibers(2)
    Gautham Venugopalan