SFB755 Nanoscale Photonic Imaging
Subproject - A8 -
Formation of stress fibers in adult stem cells

Members:

• PD. Dr. Stephan Huckemann
• Prof. Dr. Tatyana Krivobokova
• Dr. Florian Rehfeldt
• Ina Schachtschneider

Description:

Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) towards distinct lineages can be directed by carefully selecting the elasticity of the substrate they adhere to. This project aims at elucidating the mechanical interactions of hMSCs with the matrix at early times by analyzing structure and formation of acto-myosin stress fibers. Experiments using state-of-the-art microscopy techniques will be complemented with sophisticated image segmentation algorithms and a novel statistical analysis based on change point models for underlying dynamical point processes, to better understand the complex interplay of mechanical and biochemical processes of mechano-sensing phenomena.