Biology 322 - S: TPC CELL BIO--MECHANOSENSNG

Topics course.: How do cells respond to their environment? Cells reside in a highly dynamic physical environment and respond to mechanical forces by converting them into biochemical signals using complex molecular machineries. The disruption of the mechanosensing mechanism as result of dysfunctional ECM mechanics or misregulations of proteins can lead to pathological conditions such as bone and muscular diseases, or cancer metastasis. In this seminar, we will be discussing extracellular matrix structure and function, biochemical, biophysical and mechanical cues that regulate cell function and mechanism of mechanotransduction by covering primary literature, performing case studies and preparing final research project. Prerequisite: BIO 132 and permission of the instructor.

Instructor Permission. Not open to first-years, sophomores