Engineering new strategies for poking the ear in live fish embryos
Ian Swinburne, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
Cells integrate extracellular cues (biochemical or mechanical signals) in order to direct specific cellular and tissue wide responses. The correct functioning of organs depends on this communication between cells and their surrounding environment. However, our understanding of how external mechanical inputs, such as increased pressure, direct cell function in health and disease in live organisms has been limited to lack of experimental tools. The inner ear is a prominent example to study how specialized cells integrate mechanical cues such as changes in hydrostatic pressure; as it is filled with a fluid that needs to be tightly regulated for normal hearing and balance. A recent study designed an experimental approach for probing mechanical/physical signals in live zebrafish embryos based on the use of a magnetic field and ferrofluid (magnetic) oil droplets. Microinjection of magnetic oil droplets in between the skin of zebrafish embryos imitates the force induced by mechanical inputs onto nearby cells. When a magnetic field is applied from below the sample, you can manipulate the magnitude and direction of the magnetic oil-induced stress with micromanipulators that displace the magnetic field. In our lab, we aim to use this system to study how specialized inner ear tissues regulate changes in endolymph pressure. Thus, this project entails engineering a ferrofluid-magnetic field module compatible with our confocal microscope.
Qualifications: - Students who are looking for their first research experience should demonstrate capacity to learn laboratory techniques in their application (e.g. completion of a laboratory class, interest in engineering novel approaches, be proactive at problem-solving)
- An ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly motivated, curious, and passionate about engineering experimental tools, and has a clear vision for how a URAP experience will aid them in their career goals.
- Juniors preferred, but sophomores with strong qualifications will be considered as well.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: María Torres-Colón, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Related website: http://
Biological & Health Sciences