Two Yale scientists are part of the research team that received a $12.3 million, five-year grant as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Roadmap for Medical Research supporting multidisciplinary projects to accelerate progress in medical research on how cells interact with their environments.

The team of 17 cell biologists and physical scientists -- including Yale faculty members Eric R. Dufresne, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and physics, and Thomas D. Pollard, chair and the Eugene Higgins Professor of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology -- will develop methods to quantitatively measure, model and manipulate live cells.

Leslie M. Loew, professor of cell biology at the University of Connecticut Health Center, is the principal investigator for the grant, which is one of only five National Technology Centers for Networks and Pathways.

The three core technology projects are designed to study how cells control the location of their molecular components and how that distribution is used to optimize cell functions. Wound healing and muscle contraction are examples of biological processes that rely on interacting pathways and communication among genes, proteins and cells.

"Our group is developing non-invasive methods for manipulating matter with light. We use our Holographic Optical Tweezer (HOT) systems to trap, pull, position and twist up to about 100 microparticles simultaneously," says Dufresne. "We will stimulate individual cells with precisely coordinated biochemical and mechanical signals to quantify their dynamic response. Using multiple probes together, we will be able to measure cooperative effects in cell signaling."

Pollard's team will use calibrated fluorescent microscopy to quantify precisely the number and physical arrangement of actin molecules at the leading edge of single-celled amoebas as they move. "Investigating different aspects of polarity in diverse systems will let us discover common themes that reveal the fundamental principles," he says.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Yale expands its policy on sick leave

Researcher finds lower payments for treatment affect . . .

Faculty to study cell interactions in NIH project

In trail guide, employee showcases her hometown's natural splendors

NIH grant supports network for research on preterm birth

Library is a 'treasure-house of history,' says author

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

• Anthropologist Burger is appointed as MacCurdy Professor
  
  
• Anthropologist Hill is designated as Stephenson Professor
  
  
• Political scientist Wallerstein is named as Saden Professor
  

University pays tribute to Robert Penn Warren . . .

Entertainer and activist to give Chubb Lecture

Events mark century of Native American presence at Yale

Yale Law Journal launches an online companion publication

Next Dean's Workshop focuses on the electron microscope

Campus events celebrate German dramatist Friedrich Schiller

Memorial service for Abraham S. Goldstein

A call for action

Campus Notes

---

Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News

Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines

Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home

---