NanoMethods for Understanding How Matrix Elasticity Controls Stem Cell Mechanics & Differentiation

理解基质弹性如何控制干细胞的纳米方法正常组织细胞悬浮在液体中是不能存活的。它们必须附着在某种固体上，但固体可以厚也可以薄，像玻璃一样坚硬，也可以比婴儿的皮肤柔软。据推测，组织细胞可以感知到纳米级的基质弹性，这将指导干细胞如何分化和发育成组织。数学模型的层次结构也将补充现代细胞生物学和生物物理学方法的使用。虽然这项研究似乎有可能影响发育生物学家和组织工程师，但更广泛的影响只有通过教育和推广才能实现。将发展纳米尺度系统生物学的教育重点，让学生接触关键的纳米工具（例如AFM）以及从软材料中继承的各种机械化学特性。努力将扩展到费城中央高中和宾夕法尼亚大学本科生的理工科学生的教育。

Nano-Methods for Understanding how Matrix Elasticity Controls Stem CellsNormal tissue cells are not viable when suspended in a fluid. They must adhere to something solid, but a solid can be thick or thin, as rigid as glass or softer than a baby's skin. It is hypothesized that tissue cells sense matrix elasticity down to the nanoscale, and that this will direct how stem cells differentiate and develop into tissue. A hierarchy of mathematical models will also complement the use of modern cell biological and biophysical approaches.While the research seems likely to influence developmental biologists and tissue engineers, broader impact is only achievable through education and outreach. An educational thrust in Nano-Scale Systems Biology will be developed, with student exposure to key nano-tools (e.g. AFM) as well as various mechano-chemical properties that carry over from soft materials. Efforts will extend to the education of science students from Philadelphia Central High School as well as Penn Undergrads.