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Project Theme 8: Studies of Axonal Outgrowth and Interfacial interactions on Micropatterned Cues
Faculty Advisors:
Shinbrot (BME), Buettner (CBE), Uhrich (CCB), Young (MBS)
Crossdisciplinary Bridging:
Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Chemical Eng, Nonlinear Mathematical Modeling
This study focuses on developmental and regenerative mechanisms associated with neurite outgrowth, and requires modeling approaches along with experiments for validation. Studies in the Buettner group have examined the role of micropatterned matrix proteins on neurite extension processes. This work will be continued using cocultures of dorsal root ganglia with differentially pre-oriented Schwann cells, on ligands micropatterned on synthetic polymeric substrates. The role of pattern microfeatures, on cellular guidance responsiveness will be examined via time-lapse microscopy and time-series analysis. The experimental aim is to control the rate of axonal outgrowth by optimizing the ligand and/or protein pattern features (i.e., pattern width, pattern depth, interval spacing and adhesivity) as a function of the polymer (e.g., surface tension, polarization and biodegradation). The other major aims to be pursued are to quantitatively test the hypotheses that microscale morphogenesis and spatial targeting of neurites can be captured by a stochastic description. These studies will involve direct numerical simulations of axonal and glial structures that are validated and modified to accord with 3D imaging of neuronal cultures. Expected outcomes include a predictive model for neurite morphogenesis and elucidation of optimal rates of neurite growth, branching and pruning that will ensure that specified targets are successfully approached. The optimization of morphogenetic growth factors on engineered substrates will provide rational approaches to control cellular outgrowth on scaffolds and conduits for nerve regeneration therapies in the future.
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| Major Events |
IRIF:Megan Anderson Fri., 12/11 in BME-122, 12-1 pm
Enhanced Survival of Progeny of Neural Stem Cells in Response to Trace Eyeblink Conditioning
IRIF:Andrew LHuillier Thurs., 11/19 in BME-122, 12-1pm
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mediated Immunosuppression and IDO Metabolites
RESCHEDULED: Bioindustry Ethics Luncheon Part II w/ David Finegold (IGERT Fellows ONLY) 11/5/09
Part II of the Ethics Luncheon will be rescheduled to the Spring semester IRIF schedule.
IRIF:Dr. Debu Banerjee 10/22 in BME-122, 12-1 pm
Therapeutic applications of bone marrrow derived Mesenchmal stem cells
View all major events >>
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| More News |
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Congratulations!
IGERT Fellows Aaron Carlson and Mohamed Sadik took 1st and 3rd place (respectively) in the Poster Presentations at the 3rd Annual NJ Stem Cell Symposium held Thursday, September 24, 2009. Aaron Carlson's poster was titled “3-D Electrospun Polymer Scaffolds Promote Human Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Controlled Organization". Mohamed presented “Electroporation-Mediated Molecular Delivery”. Jonathan Davilla took 2nd place with “Identification of Biologically Functional microRNAs in Human ESCs by Ago2 Immunoprecipitation and Sequencing”. The keynote address was delivered by Hakim Djaballah, PhD of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Congratulations to Professor Ki-Bum Lee, Stem Cell IGERT Faculty in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, who is the recipient of the NIH Director’s New Innovator award, 2009.
The NIH Director's New Innovator Award program is designed specifically to support unusually creative early stage investigators with highly innovative research ideas at an early stage of their career.
IGERT fellow wins award:
Congratulations to IGERT fellow Nicole Plourde who was recipient of the 2009 Schering-Plough Innovation Award. She was presented with an awards plaque and a check for $5000 at a ceremony on Thursday, April 16th.
Chris Ricupero featured on Epigenie interview
Follow link here for full interview.
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