Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that occurs mainly in regions of arteries that are subject to disturbances in fluid flow, whereas regions subject to high laminar shear are protected from inflammation.  We identified a complex of proteins at endothelial cell-cell junctions that transduce forces from flow to activate signaling pathways in the cell.  These pathways activate integrins at the basal surface of the cell, which then bind to extracellular matrix and activate further signals.  I will discuss the role of integrins and extracellular matrix in inflammatory effects of flow. I will also present recent work measuring forces across cell-cell junctional molecules to elucidate molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction.

The Bioengineering Seminar Series is a joint seminar series between IBB and the BME department. Seminars are held on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 11am-12pm in IBB room 1128 unless otherwise indicated.