RESEARCH

Theory of cell-matrix interactions

Cell adhesion, migration, signaling, proliferation and differentiation are regulated by complex, non-linear interactions between cells and their surrounding matrices. Research in this area of our lab focuses on developing fundamental models, rooted in statistical mechanics and thermodynamics to gain a multi-scale understanding of cell-matrix interactions. In particular, we are interested in how conformations of receptors and ligands, as well as strength of adhesive interactions regulates adhesion and migration. Another area of research within this goal is studying interactions between cellular receptors and functionalized nano-particles which may be motile or immobilized. Our aim is to gain fundamental insights into adhesion, migration and other cellular processes through first principle theoretical endeavors. A close collaboration with experimental groups at and outside UT Austin provides a useful perspective on our models and simulations.

Cellular Mechanics

In order go gain fundamental insights on the working of the cellular machinery, we need to understand both the mechanics and dynamics within the cellular environment. Research in the cellular mechanics initiative is aimed at understanding the role of cellular mechanical properties in regulating adhesion and migration. Mechanical properties of tumor cells, at various stages of tumor formation and cancer progression are of particular interest. In addition, we are also interested in understanding how cellular mechanical properties adapt to the extracellular mechanical and biochemical properties within two and three dimensional environments.

Cell Migration in disease

One of the key research areas of our lab is to develop and implement high throughput and high resolution experimental and computational methods to quantify cell motility in various diseases, in particular cancer and asthma. We are particularly interested in studying motility in native and artificial three dimensional matrices to gain insights into how cell and matrix stiffness, adhesion ligand concentration and proteolysis act synergistically in defining the complex interactions that regulate motility. Among projects undertaken in this area, the main aim is to develop a hybrid mechanical-biochemical framework to study the synergy between mechanics and signaling in three dimensional motility. Our high resolution confocal microscopy experiments on various cancer cells are complimented by quantitative mathematical and computational models rooted in statistical and continuum mechanics. A close collaboration with basic and clinical experts in cancer biology allows us to study these high value problems at both fundamental and applied biological level.

Grid Computing

The grid computing initiative of the Zaman lab is focused on developing and implementing high throughput computational tools to study cell-matrix interactions. For more details see the CELS@Home initiative website.

The Zaman lab gratefully acknowledges NIH and The Welch Foundation for their generous support for our research.