- Development biotechniques and tools for studying cellular mechanobiology Using modified patch clamp techniques, we introduced a new tool for single endothelial cell surface manipulation and developed an automated a system for single-cell electroporation. We also performed a numerical and computational simulation to verify the patch clamp technique and quantified electric filed induced-cell membrane tension
- Electrophysiological study of a human mechanosensitive ion channel, Piezo channel We have characterized biophysical properties of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2: gating mechanism, channel kinetics, and inhibition by GsMTx4. We also reported the pathophysiological role of human PIEZO1 in human blood disease. We demonstrated that PIEZO protein can still function when split into two parts and that it is activated by membrane tension. In mouse myotube, we determined that caveolae can regulate myotube mechanosensitivity.
- Study the synaptic mechanism of opioid-induced, neuropathic, and HIV-associated pain on the spinal cord dorsal horn Our recent work focused on the ex vivo electrophysiological study of synaptic activity on the spinal cord dorsal horn neuron to determine the underlying mechanisms of neuropathic, chronic morphine-induced, and HIV-associated pain. We also determined the potential mechanism for how kilohertz spinal cord stimulation inhibits pain sensory processing in the spinal dorsal horn.
Software and Equipment
Software
- Comsol Multiphysics
- LabView
- pClamp 11
- Origin 2000b
- GraphPad Prizm
Equipment
- Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (FV3000)
- Multiclamp 700b, Digidata 1550b
- Olympus IX71 microscope
- AxoPatch 200b, Digidata 1550b
- Olympus CKX53 microscope
- Biosafety Cabinet
- Chemical hood
- ALA Perfusion System (2x)
- Pipette Puller (Narishige PC-10)
- Microforge (Marishige MF-900)
- Autoclave
- -80 freezer
- Liquid Nitrogen tank
- Cell culturing CO2 incubator
- Wet-lab equipment
- Distilled Water Maker
- pH meter
- Osmometer
- Balance Scale, Digital Scale, Magnetic Stirrer