Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering (Director of Graduate Programs) at Texas A&M University
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ALT Exciting breakthrough! Our lab discovered that molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers with atomic vacancies can boost mitochondrial function in cells! This could have major implications for aging-related diseases and energy metabolism.
ALT Why is this important? Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, but their function declines as we age, contributing to diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson’s. Current treatments manage symptoms, but what if we could recharge cells directly?
ALT Our solution? MoS₂ nanoflowers! These tiny, flower-shaped nanoparticles stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis by upregulating genes like PGC-1α and TFAM, leading to increased ATP production and better cellular energy management. The potential applications are vast—think muscle dystrophy, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. We're entering a new era of using nanotechnology to boost cellular energy at its source!
ALT Engineered matrices provide a valuable platform for understanding cellular behavior via mechanotransduction. However, a critical gap remains in comprehending the interplay between 3D confinement, ECM properties, and cellular behavior, particularly regarding matrix stiffness. To address this, we developed a nanoparticle crosslinker for collagen hydrogels, resulting in a 10-fold increase in mechanical stiffness without altering other properties. Encapsulated cells responded to stiffness changes by altering morphology and activating mechanotransduction pathways. Our study offers insights into 3D cell-ECM mechanotransduction for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
