Physical Model of Cilia Motion

The motion of cilia could be further understood by creating and analysing a large scale model with similar stiffness and property values. Varying amounts of vibrating HEXBUG robots, representing motion and active particles, were placed in series with different segment lengths connecting them. The oscillating motion of a ciliium was able to be replicated and analyzed using autotracing and autotracking programs. The amplitude of the model increased with increasing length, while increasing length had an inconclusive effect on period. Furthermore, the visual path of a marked end segment repeated with each oscillation recorded

MEMS 411: Remotely Operated Rock Collecting Vehicle

We were tasked with designing a remote-controlled vehicle that is capable of collecting and holding “rocks”. The device had to be battery powered and operated by an RC transmitter/receiver. The physical constraints required the vehicle to fit within the designated 5.25’’ diameter and 8.5’’ long cylinder. The goal was to maximize the number of rocks collected in 5 minutes

Islet primary cilia motility controls insulin secretion

Primary cilia are specialized cell-surface organelles that mediate sensory perception and, in contrast to motile cilia and flagella, are thought to lack motility function. Here, we show that primary cilia in human and mouse pancreatic islets exhibit movement that is required for glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Islet primary cilia contain motor proteins conserved from those found in classic motile cilia, and their three-dimensional motion is dynein-driven and dependent on adenosine 5\u27-triphosphate and glucose metabolism. Inhibition of cilia motion blocks beta cell calcium influx and insulin secretion. Human beta cells have enriched ciliary gene expression, and motile cilia genes are altered in type 2 diabetes. Our findings redefine primary cilia as dynamic structures having both sensory and motile function and establish that pancreatic islet cilia movement plays a regulatory role in insulin secretion