Using light to control and investigate cell biology

Khamo, John S.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/105591 Copy

Description

Title

Using light to control and investigate cell biology

Author(s)

Khamo, John S.

Issue Date

2019-06-06

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Zhang, Kai

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Zhang, Kai

Committee Member(s)

• Shapiro, David J.
• Procko, Erik
• Yang, Jing

Department of Study

Biochemistry

Discipline

Biochemistry

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Optogenetics
• Cell Signaling
• Carbon Dots

Abstract

It is no surprise that light plays an important role in life. With the development of modern technologies, light has also proven to be a powerful tool for the interrogation of molecular and cellular biology. Beyond its use in microscopic applications, light has emerged as an attractive modulator of cellular function. Within the last two decades, scientists have begun to harness the power of light and light-sensitive moieties to synthetically alter molecular processes in living cells. In combination with more conventional experimental techniques, this approach has allowed for the precise elucidation of many biological mechanisms that underpin development and disease. Here, I report on recent advances in optobiological techniques and their application in cell biology. I also include a novel study on the optogenetic delineation of growth factor signaling in neuronal development. Finally, I report on the spectroscopic analysis of fluorescent nanoparticles with potential biological utility.

Graduation Semester

2019-08

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105591

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2019 John S. Khamo

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