Cell Mechanics and Mechanotransduction (GE, BB, MC)

3 credits · Graduate

An examination of the mechanical properties of cells and forces exerted by cells in biological processes of clinical and technological importance, and the processes by which mechanical forces are converted into biochemical signals and activate gene expression. Topics include measurement of mechanical properties of cells, cytoskeleton mechanics, models of cell mechanical properties, cell adhesion, effects of physical forces on cell function, and mechanotransduction. Students critically evaluate current literature and analyze models of cell mechanics and mechanotransduction. Prerequisite: BME 302L or BME 307; knowledge of cell biology.