Colloquium- “Decoding Mechanical Signals at the Subcellular Level ” with Prof. Zheng Shi
Colloquium
October 9, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
SES 238
Calendar
Download iCal FileProfessor Zheng Shi
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
The surface of a cell experiences frequent stretching and compression. The ensuing membrane tension can propagate at drastically different speeds, depending on the cell type and subcellular compartmentation. However, mapping the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of cell membrane tension remains challenging, mainly due to limitations of current biophysical and biochemical tools.
Mechanical tension on the cell surface converts to intracellular electrochemical signals via mechanosensitive proteins such as Piezo channels. Currently, our understandings of the fundamental principles underlying the subcellular sorting and activation of mechanosensitive proteins are still in its infancy.
Further into the cell, the mechanical responses of intracellular organelles are often governed by their lipid membrane surfaces. A notable exception is the recently discovered membraneless organelles, which are biomolecular condensates that lack a lipid bilayer boundary. The mechanical response of a membraneless organelle is determined by its surface tension and viscosity, two material properties that have been suggested to play pivotal biological and pathological roles. A major challenge lies in the quantification of these condensate material properties, especially in living cells.
In this talk, I will first discuss our understanding of cell membrane tension and the need for better tools in this field. Next, I’ll present our recent progress in unraveling the intricate interplay between cell membrane properties and the subcellular behavior of Piezo channels. Finally, I will discuss our efforts in quantifying the material properties of biomolecular condensates that are involved in various neuronal functions. By decoding the mechanical signaling pathways from the cell surface to intracellular organelles, we aim to shed light on various mechanobiological and aging related diseases.
Date posted
Sep 20, 2024
Date updated
Sep 20, 2024