Research Goal

Skin is a mechanically compliant organ that routinely undergoes large strains during normal physiological function. Several important questions on the 3-D cellular architecture and intercellular connectivity of the epidermis, composed primarily of keratinocytes that need answers include: the effect of mechanical strain on the formation, maturation, number density, and placement of desomosomes and hemidesmosomes; the effect of strain on the gap junction intercellular communication complex that regulates the equilibrium between keratinocyte growth and differentiation; and the effect of local three-dimensional topography on the formation of a stratified squamous epithelium during keratinocyte culture on mechanical compliance. This project utilizes cell culture on microfabricated structures to measure the stress and strain within keratinocytes during different stages of development and the formation of mechanical junctions between cells. (UIUC)

Research Team:

Acknowledgement:

Work partially supported by National Science Foundation grant # & Office Naval Research Grant #

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