The sweet link between mechanical and chemical sensing in living cells: towards glycomechanomedicine
Supervisors:
Dr Miguel Pineda, School of Molecular Biosciences
Professor Massimo Vassalli, School of Engineering
PhD Project Summary
Modern medicine has made remarkable advances through genetic and biochemical research, yet many medical conditions lack effective treatments, revealing gaps in our understanding of human biology. Recognizing the role of mechanical perturbations in disease, there's growing interest in targeting the physical basis of conditions like atherosclerosis, asthma, and cancer. Additionally, age-related disabilities such as lower back pain and irritable bowel syndrome demonstrate a clear mechanical component, perpetuating inflammation and fibrosis. However, the precise mechanisms governing tissue mechanics remain elusive.
We propose that the glycocalyx, an often overlooked structure, serves as a sensory interface converting mechanical signals into biological responses. By integrating functional glycomics and mechanobiology, we aim to elucidate how the glycocalyx influences mechanosensing and mechanotransduction, particularly in human fibroblasts implicated in chronic inflammation. Our experimental approach involves selectively modifying the glycocalyx and assessing cellular responses to mechanical stimuli using advanced imaging and cell biology techniques available in our center. This research represents a novel avenue for addressing life-threatening conditions affecting the aging population.