BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Memento EPFL// BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The Mechanical Properties of Cells and Tissues – Does Soft Matte r? DTSTART:20140623T121500 DTSTAMP:20260427T213114Z UID:a15a7fbf1b22c924697c4bb31c7b2d0898d09ce651a50af0acfceb00 CATEGORIES:Conferences - Seminars DESCRIPTION:Prof. Jochen Guck\, Technical University Dresden (D)\nDISTINGU ISHED LECTURE IN BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERINGAbstract:\nWhile most current biolo gical research focuses on molecular\, biochemical aspects of cell function \, we are interested in the mechanical properties of cells and tissue and their importance for biological function. The mechanical strength of cells is largely determined by the cytoskeleton\, an internal polymer hybrid ne twork intricately regulated by many signaling pathways. This cytoskeleton evolves during physiological changes\, such as differentiation\, is involv ed in many cellular functions\, such as migration\, and is characteristica lly altered in pathologies\, including cancer or inflammation. We can expl oit the deformability of the cytoskeleton as a link between molecular stru cture and biological function to sensitively monitor these functional chan ges using an optical stretcher and novel high-throughput microfluidic tech niques. Our findings suggest the use of cell compliance as an integral\, i nherent cell marker obviating the need for external markers or special pre paration. Further\, also the mechanical properties of biological tissues a re increasingly being recognized as important as cells measure and respond to the mechanics of their environment. We are investigating this mechanos ensitivity of neurons and glial cells in the context of development and pa thologies of the central nervous system. This research could lead to novel therapeutic approaches in traumatic injuries to the CNS and neurodegenera tive disorders.Bio:\n    2012 Professor of Cellular Machines\, Biotechn ology Center\, TU-Dresden\n    2012 Alexander von Humboldt Professor\n     2012 Principal research scientist\, University of Cambridge\n    2009 Reader\, Cavendish Laboratory\, University of Cambridge\n    2007 Lecturer\, Cavendish Laboratory\, University of Cambridge\n    2002 Ju nior group leader\, Universität Leipzig\n    2001 PhD in Physics\, Uni versity of Texas at Austin LOCATION:SV1717A http://map.epfl.ch/?room=sv1717a STATUS:CONFIRMED END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR