Ignasi Granero, Celular and molecular mechanobiology group
In eukaryotic cells, the cell nucleus contains the DNA and directs the reaction to important signalling cascades, both biochemical and biomechanical. At the Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology lab we study how forces and the physical characteristics of the cell environment affect cell behaviour and homeostasis. In my case, I am interested in how the cell nucleus senses physical changes and triggers a cell response to them.
For this purpose, we have engineered a battery of fluorescent proteins, which change their location depending on the physical state of the nucleus. Higher forces in the nucleus correspond with higher nuclear accumulation of these proteins. Indicating that these proteins react to mechanical/morphological stimuli. Then, we have chosen the variant that can be used as a mechano-sensor. Currently, we are testing the sensor in single- and multi-cell approaches to understand its behaviour in different systems and the ruling principles under its functioning.
This PhD Discussion will be held online using the GoToMeeting app