Research on the Cell Biomechanics

　Cells, the fundamental units composing tissues and organs, are increasingly recognized for their active responses to mechanical stimuli, altering their functions and morphology. To comprehensively analyze these responses, we are advancing the development of devices to meticulously measure the mechanical properties of cells themselves, the magnitude of forces exerted by cells in vivo during development, and even the fine internal structures within cells. Using these devices, we are investigating in detail the mechanical responses of cultured cells to various applied forces. Our ultimate goal is to utilize the nature of these mechanical responses of cells to make cells design and fabricate microscopic structures in the future.

1) Research on the mechanical properties and tension development of cells.
2) Research on three-dimensional observation of intra-cellular microstructures.
3) Impact of microscopic topography of substrate on cell behavior.
4) Evaluation of the effects of compressive stimuli on the nucleus of cells.
5) Measurement of intracellular tension using FRET-type tension sensors.
6) Quantitative assessment and functional analysis of intercellular substance transport via gap junctions (Assoc. Prof. Maeda).
7) Multi-scale analysis of intracellular strains using FRET-type tension sensors.
8) Cell orientation induced by cyclic stretch in stratified MC3T3-E1 cells.
9) Fundamental research on mechanical stimulation to the cell nucleus and its responses using microfluidic channels.
10) Relationship between changes in nuclear DNA condensation state induced by dynamic compressive stimuli and the cell cycle.