Cellular and respiratory biomechanics
Prof. Dr.
Navajas, Daniel
Group Leader
Edifici Hèlix | Baldiri Reixac 15-21 | 08028 | Barcelona
Email : dnavajas
ibecbarcelona.eu
Research Topics
Cell Mechanics / Cell Adhesion / Cell-matrix Interaction / Molecular Mechanics / Nanobiotechnology & Nanomedicine / Respiratory Bioengineering
The research of our groups is focused on biomechanics, that is, the study of the mechanisms and physiological implications underlying mechanical force in biology. This research is organized in two different research lines. The respiratory biomechanics line, led by Prof. Daniel Navajas, studies the mechanical behaviour of the respiratory system, and how it is altered in respiratory diseases. The biophysical mechanobiology line, led by Prof. Pere Roca-Cusachs, studies the basic physical and molecular mechanisms by which cells detect and respond to forces.
Dr. Roca-Cusachs, Pere Junior Group Leader
Ed. Hèlix | Baldiri Reixac, 15-21 | 08028 | Barcelona
Email: proca @ ibecbarcelona.eu
Respiratory biomechanics (Daniel Navajas)
Our goal is to gain a better understanding of cellular and respiratory biomechanics in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease. Our work is organized into two interrelated areas, focusing on respiratory mechanics at both the systemic and the cellular level. We use basic and translational approaches in a multidisciplinary framework involving cooperation with clinical research groups working in the field of respiratory medicine.
Nanomechanics of lung extracellular matrix probed with atomic force microscopy
At the systemic level, we study the mechanical properties of the airway and lung tissues and the changes that occur in the context of the mechanical dysfunction associated with respiratory diseases. We study the mechanics of the upper airway in sleep apnea syndrome and on mechanical ventilation in acute and chronic respiratory failure. We biofabricate engineered lungs by recellularizing lung scaffolds with stem cells.
At the cellular level, we develop and apply cutting-edge nanotechnology and advanced biophysical techniques to probe the mechanical behaviour of cells and their mechanical interactions with their microenvironment. We study the mechanical properties of the cell and its response to inflammation and mechanical stresses and develop new approaches to differentiate stem cells using mechanical stimuli. We are developing a lung-on-a-chip model recreating the in vivo mechanical micro/nano-environment of lung cells.
Biophysical mechanobiology (Pere Roca-Cusachs, Junior Group Leader)
Every time we blink, move a hand, draw a breath, or walk, cells in our body exert, transmit, withstand, and detect forces. This mechanical interaction with the environment determines how cells proliferate, differentiate, and move, and regulates development, tumorigenesis or wound healing. Just like biochemical stimuli initiate signaling cascades, mechanical forces affect the links and conformation of a network of molecules connecting cells to the extracellular matrix.
Spreading fibroblast showing initial adhesions to the extracellular matrix containing α-actinin (green) talin (red) and β3 integrin (blue)
Our research aims precisely at unraveling the mechanisms that these molecules use to detect and respond to forces, triggering downstream cell responses. To this end, we combine biophysical techniques like magnetic tweezers, Atomic Force Microscopy, and microfabricated force sensors with molecular biology and advanced optical microscopy. Using this approach, we have for instance recently unveiled a basic micron-sized molecular structure that cells use to generate forces that probe substrate rigidity (Ghassemi et al., 2012, PNAS). We have also revealed that different integrins are adapted to sensing versus resisting forces (Roca-Cusachs et al., 2009, PNAS) or that talin molecules can detect forces by stretching and exposing cryptic binding sites to vinculin (del Rio et al., 2009, Science). Ultimately, when we determine the molecular mechanisms that communicate cells with their environment, we will understand how forces determine development when things go right, and tumor formation when they go wrong.
