1 option
Modeling of the Chemomechanical Interactions Between Cells and the Extracellular Matrix / Xingyu Chen.
- Format:
- Book
- Thesis/Dissertation
- Author/Creator:
- Chen, Xingyu, author.
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Biophysics.
- Computational physics.
- Materials science.
- Materials Science and Engineering--Penn dissertations.
- Penn dissertations--Materials Science and Engineering.
- Local Subjects:
- Biophysics.
- Computational physics.
- Materials science.
- Materials Science and Engineering--Penn dissertations.
- Penn dissertations--Materials Science and Engineering.
- Physical Description:
- 1 online resource (244 pages)
- Contained In:
- Dissertations Abstracts International 85-12B.
- Place of Publication:
- [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania] : University of Pennsylvania, 2022.
- Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2024
- Language Note:
- English
- Summary:
- Understanding the complex interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial. These interactions involve biochemical signals and mechanical forces that regulate vital cellular processes, including migration, differentiation, and proliferation. Disruptions in these interactions frequently correlate with various pathologies, underscoring the importance of studying these mechanisms. This thesis explores four specific topics on cell-ECM interactions. First, we examine the role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within ECM. We show that due to their hydrophilic properties and contribution to the ECM's mechanical integrity, GAGs can modulate the anisotropic strain-stiffening behavior of the ECM and further impact cellular force transmission. Second, we examine the rheological characteristics of tissues densely packed with cells. Our analysis reveals an unexpected transition from compression softening to compression stiffening in these tissues because of the presence of cells. This finding is crucial for understanding how tissues endure and adapt to mechanical stresses, which are key to maintaining tissue health and functionality. Third, we introduce a chemomechanical model that elucidates the mechanism of the spatiotemporal evolution of cell redistribution during blood clot contraction. This model demonstrates how mechanosensitive signaling controls ATP hydrolysis in platelets, subsequently leading to cellular reorganization within blood clots. Lastly, we develop a phase field theory-based model to determine how forces alter chromatin organization within the nucleus, thus impacting the accessibility of genes for transcription. This work establishes a direct link between mechanical stimuli and genetic regulation within the cell. Overall, our work introduces novel chemo-mechanical theories that elucidate these vital biophysical processes. The implications of this research are extensive, enhancing our understanding of tissue mechanics and disease pathogenesis and informing the development of therapeutic strategies.
- Notes:
- Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 85-12, Section: B.
- Advisors: Shenoy, Vivek B.; Committee members: Burdick, Jason A.; Janmey, Paul A.; Wells, Rebecca G.
- Department: Materials Science and Engineering.
- Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 2024.
- Local Notes:
- School code: 0175
- ISBN:
- 9798382836164
- Access Restriction:
- Restricted for use by site license.
The Penn Libraries is committed to describing library materials using current, accurate, and responsible language. If you discover outdated or inaccurate language, please fill out this feedback form to report it and suggest alternative language.