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Publications [#175715] of Kam W. Leong

Papers Published

  1. Chalut, K. J. and Kulangara, K. and Giacomelli, M. G. and Wax, A. and Leong, K. W., Deformation of stem cell nuclei by nanotopographical cues, Soft Matter, vol. 6 no. 8 (2010), pp. 1675-1681
    (last updated on 2010/06/11)

    Abstract:
    Cells sense cues in their surrounding microenvironment. These cues are converted into intracellular signals and transduced to the nucleus in order for the cell to respond and adapt its function. Within the nucleus, structural changes occur that ultimately lead to changes in the gene expression. In this study, we explore the structural changes of the nucleus of human mesenchymal stem cells as an effect of topographical cues. We use a controlled nanotopography to drive shape changes to the cell nucleus, and measure the changes with both fluorescence microscopy and a novel light scattering technique. The nucleus changes shape dramatically in response to the nanotopography, and in a manner dependent on the mechanical properties of the substrate. The kinetics of the nuclear deformation follows an unexpected trajectory. As opposed to a gradual shape change in response to the topography, once the cytoskeleton attains an aligned and elongation morphology on the time scale of several hours, the nucleus changes shape rapidly and intensely.

    Keywords:
    low-coherence interferometry smooth-muscle-cells light-scattering membrane protein gene-expression intact-cells soft media organization mechanotransduction differentiation


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