Imaging & analysis
Visualizing nanoscale events like cell-ECM binding is hindered by the diffraction limits imposed by conventional microscopy, which has led us to develop a novel photochemistry for facile expansion microscopy. We have applied this method to single cells and multicellular constructs cultured in 3D, with a focus on cell-matrix interactions. Beyond this endpoint analysis technique, we also implement state-of-the-art live cell imaging tools including traction force microscopy, light sheet microscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging. With this data, we develop analysis pipelines to quantify dynamic changes in cell mechanics and shape, as well as intra- and inter-cellular signaling. This group seeks to advance our quantitative image analysis capabilities to answer biological questions and classify cell phenotypes that emerge in response to controlled material microenvironments.
Collaborators: Joseph Dragavon (BioFrontiers Advanced Light Microscopy Core), (Anschutz Advanced Light Microscopy Core), (Northeastern U), (MIT), (Northwestern U)
