Biomechanical regulation of epigenetics and chromatin organization in single living cells

Tajik, Arash

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/78729 Copy

Description

Title

Biomechanical regulation of epigenetics and chromatin organization in single living cells

Author(s)

Tajik, Arash

Issue Date

2015-04-13

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

Wang, Ning

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Wang, Ning

Committee Member(s)

• Wang, Yingxiao
• Cheng, Jianjun
• Nam, SungWoo
• Ma, Jian

Department of Study

Mechanical Sci & Engineering

Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Biomechanics
• Cell Mechanics
• Mechanotransduction
• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Organization

Abstract

Mechanical forces are known to play a key role in regulating various cellular functions that control human development, cancer, disease, and aging. It, however, remains elusive how mechanical cues regulate biochemical mechanisms in the nucleus that control cellular decision-making. These mechanisms include epigenetic modification, chromatin organization, and gene expression. It is, therefore, highly important to investigate force-induced regulation of these mechanisms to better understand human physiology and disease. In this research, we aim at answering two key questions: one, how mechanical forces regulate epigenetics in tumor repopulating cells (TRCs), and two, how these forces unfold chromatin and induce gene expression in single living cells. Our findings suggest that mechanical forces play critical roles in regulating nuclear structure and function. Biomechanical cues can propagate deep inside the nucleus and regulate epigenetics, chromatin organization, and gene expression.

Graduation Semester

2015-5

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/78729

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2015 Arash Tajik

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