Cell Biology

Tightly regulated flux of materials and signals across the exquisitely organized plasma membrane (PM) is essential for healthy cellular function. Disruption of this careful choreography is a common mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of many genetic and infectious diseases. Therefore, a central problem in cell biology is to understand the key molecular components that direct this intricate organization of signaling, transport and structural machinery at the PM.

This request is for funds to purchase a dual line Nikon multiphoton system equipped with a resonant and galvonometer driven scan head and 4 GaAsP detectors. This instrument will be housed within the Center for Biologic Imaging (CBI) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The mandate of this core facility is to provide access to a full range of light and electron optical, image analysis, and morphometric methods to all research groups within the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Multiphoton microscopy is an essential service provided by the center.

Cellular stress responses play essential roles in cell and organismal survival and contribute to a wide range of physiological processes and diseases in humans. The molecular architecture of most stress response pathways are well defined. A striking exception to this is osmotic stress response, where the relevant stress sensors and signaling mechanisms in animals are poorly understood. Most studies of the osmotic stress response use cultured cells, where in vivo complexities, i.e. the extracellular matrix, tissue mechanical properties, etc., are not replicated.