| Project ID |
BPN417 |
| Website |
|
| Start Date |
Mon 2007-Dec-10 18:02:23 |
| Last Updated |
Tue 2008-Aug-19 15:29:26 |
| Abstract |
Gap junctions are expressed in most mammalian cells, coupling their
intracellular environments to allow direct communication of ions,
metabolites, and other small molecules. Although gap junctions have
been implicated in a range of diseases from neuronal degeneration to
cancer, our understanding of their function is still incomplete. We present
here the application of a microfluidic device for assaying gap junction
communication by focusing dye molecules or other membrane diffusiblefocusing dye molecules or other membrane diffusible biomolecules over cells cultured to confluence. A laminar stream of gap
junction-transmissible dye is hydrodynamically focused between two
streams of buffer solution, selectively targeting a column of cells, while
leaving their neighbors unexposed. Dye transfer into neighboring cells
can be monitored via timelapse fluorescent microscopy, yielding dynamic
information about the process of molecular transfer. |
| Status |
Continuing |
| Funding Source |
Other |
| IAB Research Area |
BioMEMS |
| Researcher(s) |
Sisi Chen |
| Advisor(s) |
Luke P. Lee |
|
|
