Cell function and structure are affected by the cell’s mechanical environment. We are working to understand the response of B lymphocytes (B cells) to external mechanical stimuli. In collaboration with the Boyce Group, we are studying triggering of biochemical pathways by mechanical loading of the cell membrane.

Some of the experiments that we are working on include

• cell membrane tethering experiments, where we measure dissociation of the membrane from the nearby cytoskeleton;
• membrane bleb formation, where we look at the mechanical properties of blebbing cells; and
• mechanical modeling combinines these measurements to describe the biomechanical properties of a B cell.