Electrophysiology and imaging lab

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My research utilizes electrophysiology, cell imaging, and cell culturing to investigate the effects of oxygen availability on the behaviour of stem cells. For example, in the brain, cells exist in oxygen (O2) environments that range from 2% O2 to 10% O2. However, in the research setting, cells are often subjected to 95% air (21% O2). Thus it is apparent that the experimental O2 levels used and O2 values experienced by cells in the body are inconsistent. Different levels of O2 have the capability of modifying protein function and gene expression and thus can affect stem cell behaviour. Alterations in protein function can lead to entry of calcium, which in turn can initiate regulation of genes involved in stem cell growth and development into different cell types. Since O2 levels have the capacity to modify cellular activity (e.g. protein function and gene regulation) it is important to determine how these cells typically behave in the body.