Cellular mechanics in unusual systems (2019-2022)

This project will use a multifaceted approach to investigate the effects of microgravity/force on cell differentiation in 3D biomimetic cell matrices and to quantify force-mediated changes in stem cell behaviour. The influence of microgravity and 1g forces on the matrix-focal adhesion and cadherin mediated cell-cell interaction will be studied using a novel stem cell microgravity platform and cutting edge force-mediated STED-confocal spectroscopy. Expected outcomes include new synthetic, tuneable and mechanotransducive 3D matrices, and insights into key cellular mechanisms modulated by force. The findings from this study are expected to have significant benefit in controlling cell fate in space and here on earth.