BEGIN:VCALENDAR PRODID:-//Columba Systems Ltd//NONSGML CPNG/SpringViewer/ICal Output/3.3- M3//EN VERSION:2.0 CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20180706T055920Z DTSTART:20180706T120000Z DTEND:20180706T130000Z SUMMARY:CMB&RM Seminar: Mechanical changes of the cell nucleus in disease and ageing UID:{}vay-jj6qsda i-k30zmd DESCRIPTION:The sequencing of the human genome has provided a wealth of s cientific information\, but this information is limited by the poor unde rstanding of the mechanisms that control gene expression. In addition to containing the code for the cell\, the genome within the nucleus is a c omplex self-assembled polymeric structure with unique biophysical proper ties. We have developed numerous techniques including micromanipulation and micropatterning\, multichannel registration particle tracking algori thms and fluorescence lifetime imaging to determine how these biophysica l properties impact nuclear and cellular function. We are particularly i nterested in the role that force and cytokine treatment play in altering nuclear mechanics and gene expression in primary human cells. We have q uantified nuclear stiffness in a broad spectrum of cell types: cells wit h less regulated gene expression patterns\, including stem cells and can cer cells\, have much softer nuclei whereas aged cells have stiffer nucl ei. While the mechanisms directing stiffness are still being elucidated\ , we have quantified dramatic downstream impacts of nuclear stiffness on cellular migration. Recently we have investigated the interconnectednes s of cell forces\, and we are using the cell nucleus as a read-out for i ntracellular force generation within monolayers. With this new technique we have been able to determine spatial force variations within heteroge neous monolayer systems as a mimic for early disease models of epithelia l and endothelial pathology. These results have broad implications in ce ll biology\, cancer\, atherosclerosis and for applications in cellular t herapies. STATUS:TENTATIVE TRANSP:TRANSPARENT CLASS:PUBLIC LOCATION:Lecture Theatre\, Michael Smith Building\, Manchester END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR