How do our cells respond to environmental cues? What is the effect of growth factors, and cell adhesion?  What receptors are targeted and signaling pathways triggered? What new probes can be developed to explore signaling?  What is the mechanism of neurotransmitter release? What is the role of electrical signaling? How is cell secretion, motility and adhesion altered?  What is the effect on the cell cytoskeleton?  How can signaling pathways in cancer cells be therapeutically modulated?  What are the principles of spindle assembly at the nano-scale?

   How do massive cell movements transform a blastocyst into an embryo? 

   Can understanding cues lead to prediction of tissue patterning, including vascular growth?  What insights can be gained into rhythmic complexity in biological systems?  How does competition among neurons for limited survival cues regulate neuronal development?  What are the mechanisms of macular degeneration, and neuronal toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease? What regulates vessel dilation and constriction in the microvasculature and blood vessel formation?

    How can this information be applied to innovations in tissue engineering, wound healing, cancer treatment and prevention of mental retardation?  Can advanced biomaterials be developed to support tissue regeneration? 

    How can immobilization of cells or biological molecules in artificial matrices give rise to functional biological entities with utility in tissue engineering and biosensing?

    What mechanisms regulate carbohydrate and triacylglycerol storage in adipose tissue.  What signaling pathways regulate mitochondrial dynamics in health and disease?  What gene networks underlie metabolism?

Faculty engaged in this research

Abounader

Ai

Barker

Blemker

Bloom

Christ

Deppmann

Desai

DeSimone

Gahlmann    

Gelfand 

Gioeli

Griffin

Harris, Thurl

Hirschi

Holmes

Isakson

Janes

Kashatus

Lampe