BECKMAN LASER INSTITUTE

Using fluorescently marked cells and optical tweezers to induce stresses on BAEC cells created by particles, and measuring nitric oxide production and Src kinase activation as a result of applied stresses.

Vaterite are birefringent particles capable of rotating when trapped by polarized light. Through the use of our optical system, vaterite or other birefringent particles are spun via polarized light near a surface of a cell to study the effects of localized shear stresses on cells.

Nitric oxide is released from the endothelium through a variety of shear stresses.

Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) transfected with the Src kinase FRET reported will assess cell signaling, while NO production will be measured fluorescently. Both will be measured in response to local fluid stresses applied by optical tweezers. Birefringent spherical vaterite will be placed near BAEC fluorescently marked with an NO detector, DAR 4M-AM and trapped with circularly polarized light to induce rotation and NO production in the cells.

By understanding NO production in response to mechanical loading (fluid stresses in response to rotating spherical particles) we hope to gain a better understanding of the biochemical processes by which cells perceive mechanical fluid stress and transduce them into biochemical signals.

IMAGES

Various projects underway in the MMS Lab

NAVIGATION

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