Presenting:
Wei (Jack) Chen - Advisor, Cheng Zhu, PhD

"Observing Force-regulated Conformational Changes and Ligand Dissociation from a Single Integrin on Living Cells"

An integrin, a cell adhesion receptor, has multiple conformations that regulate integrin’s function. Using a biomembrane force probe, we observed real-time reversible conformational changes of a single integrin on living cells. We determined the dynamics and kinetics of such conformational changes, and quantified how initial and subsequent conformations of integrin regulate the force-dependent dissociation from its ligand.

Ivana Parker - Advisor, Manu Platt, PhD

"Effect of HIV Proteins and Antiretroviral Therapies on Protease Activity and Arterial"

Advances in antiretroviral therapies have extended the lives of HIV+ patients, but they have increased risk of death by cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that HIV proteins and antiretroviral drugs interact with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cells comprising the arterial wall, altering their protease expression and accelerating atherogenesis. Zymography, cell culture, and use of a tg-mouse model allow investigation of this.