CAREER: The Utilization of Cell Mechanics and Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Technology to Determine Mechanotransduction Mechanisms during Traumatic Neural Injury

综合研究和教育职业生涯规划的总体目标是利用基本工程原理(细胞力学和电气接口技术)和生物学原理(神经生物学)来优化神经元培养技术，以检查神经病理状况，并创建一种跨学科的方法来解决问题和推动神经工程领域的发展。研究部分的最初目标是通过操纵围绕神经元的细胞支持矩阵来进一步开发大脑(神经元)信号细胞的三维(3-D)培养。优化的3-D细胞培养将用于确定外部物理刺激(从生理刺激到病理/损伤范围)如何从支持基质传递到细胞器。在这个受控系统中，机械启动的细胞信号的特定机制将被分类，以开发细胞阈值和基于机械的药理学干预。此外，3D微电极的引入将被纳入细胞培养中，以测量神经元的活动。教育工作将与研究活动同时进行，并源于研究项目。本科生将通过以问题为基础的学习课程，了解神经生物学与微系统接口的问题解决和技术方法。此外，PI将把生物工程实验室原理的研究生课程扩展到可用于本科生研究经验和高中科学教师培训的模块。

0093830LaPlacaThe overall objective of the integrative research and education career plan is to utilize basic engineering principles (cell mechanics and electrical interfacing technology) and biological principles (neurobiology) to optimize neuronal culturing techniques for examining neuropathological conditions and create a interdisciplinary approach to solving problems and advancing the field of neuroengineering. The initial goal of the research component is to further develop three-dimensional (3-D) cultures of the signaling cells of the brain (neurons) by manipulating the cellular support matrix that surrounds the neurons. The optimized 3-D cell cultures will be used to determine how external physical stimuli (from the physiologic to the pathologic/injury range) are transduced from the support matrix to the cellular organelles. In this controlled system, specific mechanisms of mechanically-initiated cell signals will be sorted out in order to develop cellular thresholds and mechanistically-based pharmacologic interventions. In addition, the introduction of 3-D microelectrodes will be incorporated into the cell cultures for purposes of measuring neuronal activity. Educational efforts will be concurrent with the research activities and stem from the research projects. Undergraduate students will be introduced to problem solving and technological approaches in neurobiological interfacing with microsystems through problem-based learning classes. In addition, the PI will expand a graduate course in bioengineering laboratory principles to modules that can be used for undergraduate research experiences and training of high school science teachers.