Michael Smith

Micropatterning for Traction Measurements

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Almost all living cells have the ability to apply contractile forces to their surroundings, yet the length and time scales involved in these mechanical interactions make them extremely difficult to interrogate. Our lab has developed a micro patterning technique for manufacturing small cell culture chips that can be used to measured deformations that result from contractile forces applied by single cells, and a custom image processing algorithm is available to convert these deformations into forces. In this project, the student will learn to fabricate these chips and use them to determine how the local cell microenvironment regulates cell contractility. This research has important implications for processes that require force generation including wound healing, control of blood and air flow, and development.

LABORATORY ASSISTANT
Han Xu

RESEARCH GOALS
The research goal of this project is to determine whether cell to cell contact regulates the contractile state of smooth muscle cells, an important determinant of blood and air flow through their ability to constrict blood vessels and airways, respectively.

LEARNING GOALS
The learning goals of this project include:
1. development of a basic understanding of cell mechanics
2. development of an appreciation for the role of mechanical forces in normal tissue function
3. learning cell culture techniques
4. learning time lapse microscopy and image processing using Matlab
5. development of a practical understanding and familiarity with micro patterning

TIMELINE
Month 1: learn cell culture and microscopy
Month 0.5 to 1.5: learn micro patterning
Months 1.5 to 2.5: develop understanding of cell mechanics and gather data on smooth muscle cells

Learn more about Professor Smith on his faculty page.