Cellular NADH Fluorescence as a Metabolic Indicator under Pressure: Piezophysiological Studies at a Predominantly-Undergraduate Physics Department

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In this project the PI will develop a cellular biophysics program at the predominantly-undergraduate Physics Department at Miami University in Ohio. By involving students in all stages of the research process, emphasis will be on discovery-oriented learning and undergraduate scholarship. The research activities focus on cellular biophysical studies at high hydrostatic pressures. The educational activities will be synergistic with research goals and will emphasize research mentoring and integration of discovery elements into biophysics courses for STEM and non-STEM majors. The PI will study physiological responses, in vivo, to hydrostatic pressure. Cellular energy metabolism related to respiration and mitochondrial function will be assessed by monitoring endogenous fluorescence from metabolic co-factors such as reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The main goal of this project is to characterize free/bound NADH fluorescence from a model cellular system under metabolic conditions that are well defined under ambient pressure. The outcome will be the identification of pressure-sensitive metabolic states. The PI will continue to build a strong record for mentoring undergraduates who will be key participants in completing the research project.