Summary
This project will explore how mechanical forces change communication pathways inside cells to enable cell survival and instruct cellular identity. Our bodies are made of numerous cell types existing within unique physical environments that undergo different types of mechanical force.
For example, lung cells undergo stretching forces while breathing, bone cells experience compressive forces while moving, and cells that comprise our arteries endure shear forces as blood flows. Cells can also change their identity based on mechanics. The decision of stem cells to become one cell type or another depends on the mechanical properties of their surrounding environment.
For example, stem cells preferentially form bone cells in stiffer environments, and fat cells in softer environments. We currently know almost nothing about this topic, but it is likely to be crucial for our understanding of both normal biology and conditions where mechanics are disturbed such as cancer (the tumor is stiff), arthritis (compression causes joints to wear out), and bone degeneration (astronauts lose bone density in low gravity).
Project aims
We will investigate how mechanical forces alter important communication pathways within cells that allow different cellular compartments (organelles) to talk to each other. These communication pathways are essential for cells to perform their various functions, and we have evidence to suggest that they are sensitive to, and can respond to, mechanical forces.
Currently, researchers have only been able to study these pathways between individual pairs of organelles, which is problematic because in fact organelles communicate across complex interconnected networks. We have now built microscopy, cell biology, proteomic and biophysical tools that we will use to explore organelle communication pathways on a network scale between many organelles.
This project will use these tools to understand how such pathways allow cells to survive, change identity, and function in different mechanical environments.
Contact details
Dr Jonathon Nixon-Abell - jjn36@cam.ac.uk
Opportunities
This project is open to applicants who want to do a:
- PhD