31 research outputs found
Automated adaptive analysis of tagged magnetic resonance images of the mouse heart
The full potential of tagged MRI of the mouse heart for non-invasive evaluation of cardiac mechanics in transgenic animals has not been realized due to
excessive user involvement with available image processing algorithms. Therefore, we developed an automated, rapid, high-resolution analysis technique,
called High Density Mapping (HDM), that uses spectral correlation to efficiently quantify regional wall deformation, does not entail tracking of individual
tags, and involves minimal user interaction. HDM analysis distinguishes regional mechanics in healthy and infarcted mice within 2 minutes. This new
method may help promote the practical use of tagged MRI in mice and other species.published_or_final_versio
Small molecule-mediated directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells toward ventricular cardiomyocytes
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Cell shape regulates subcellular organelle location to control early Ca2+ signal dynamics in vascular smooth muscle cells.
The shape of the cell is connected to its function; however, we do not fully understand underlying mechanisms by which global shape regulates a cell's functional capabilities. Using theory, experiments and simulation, we investigated how physiologically relevant cell shape changes affect subcellular organization, and consequently intracellular signaling, to control information flow needed for phenotypic function. Vascular smooth muscle cells going from a proliferative and motile circular shape to a contractile fusiform shape show changes in the location of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, inter-organelle distances, and differential distribution of receptors in the plasma membrane. These factors together lead to the modulation of signals transduced by the M3 muscarinic receptor/Gq/PLCβ pathway at the plasma membrane, amplifying Ca2+ dynamics in the cytoplasm, and the nucleus resulting in phenotypic changes, as determined by increased activity of myosin light chain kinase in the cytoplasm and enhanced nuclear localization of the transcription factor NFAT. Taken together, our observations show a systems level phenomenon whereby global cell shape affects subcellular organization to modulate signaling that enables phenotypic changes