Collaborative Research: Nanoscale Cues for Regenerative Neural Cell Systems

在这个项目中，PI将调查一种假设，即存在一套基本的纳米级物理和生化特性，这些特性作为在其原生环境中依赖纳米纤维支架的细胞系统重建的主要线索，他们将使用综合方法进行研究。一种新的研究工具，扫描探针识别显微镜，将与最先进的免疫细胞化学，荧光显微镜和印迹技术相结合，在综合物理-细胞生物学的努力中，将纳米级的物理特性与重要的细胞反应联系起来。这项研究的结果可能会对旨在重建中枢神经系统损伤后的神经细胞系统的再生医学产生重大影响。此外，由于受基于支架的环境影响的细胞系统在全身无处不在，因此确定促进健康神经细胞生理和功能的基本纳米级特性集，可以作为定量探索其他再生细胞-支架系统的基础。研究计划将在学生积极参与的情况下实现。定期互访、联合培训和定期沟通，并评价和传播结果，将有助于多学科培训。拟议的管道项目将与MI-LSAMP和RISE项目合作，在PI的成功经验的基础上，在研究中引入传统上代表性不足的本科生。

In this project the PI will investigate the hypothesis that there is a fundamental set of nanoscale physical and biochemical properties that serve as the primary cues for the re-establishment of cell systems that rely on nanofibrillar scaffolds in their native environment, and they will use an integrated approach for their investigation. A novel investigative tool, scanning probe recognition microscopy, will be used in concert with state of the art immunocytochemistry, fluorescent microscopy and blot techniques in an integrated physics-cell biology effort that links the physical properties at the nanoscale with important cellular responses. Results from this research are likely to have a major impact on regenerative medicine aimed at recreating the neural cell system following central nervous system injury. Furthermore, as cell systems that are influenced by scaffold-based environments are ubiquitous throughout the body, identification of the fundamental set of nanoscale properties that promote healthy neural cell physiology and function, serves as the basis for the quantitative exploration of other regenerative cell-scaffold systems. The research program will be realized with active student participation. Regular exchange visits, joint training, and regular communication, with evaluation and dissemination of results, will contribute to the multidisciplinary training. The proposed pipeline program for the introduction of traditionally underrepresented undergraduates within the research, in collaboration with the mentored MI-LSAMP and RISE programs, will build on the PI,s successful experiences with both.