Paul A. Janmey
Associate Director, IME
Professor of Physiology

EDUCATION

Research Fellow (1982-1984) Hematology-Oncology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital
Research Fellow (1982) Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin
Ph.D. (1982) Physical Chemistry, University of Wisconsin
A.B. (1976) Chemistry and Philosphy, Oberlin College

DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH

Our lab studies several aspects of cell mechanics. In one project, we produce soft materials, usually hydrogels, to which cell adhesion proteins are linked to study how the stiffness of surfaces alters cell structure, function, and growth. Endothelial cells, fibroblasts, neurons and astrocytes each show unique dependence on substrate stiffness, and we seek to understand how they sense and respond to this mechanical cue. In related work we measure the structure and mechanics of cytoskeletal polymers using a variety of imaging, scattering, and rheologic methods. Further studies examine how changes in cell membrane structure mediated by inositol phospholipids lead to production of signals that remodel the cytoskeleton.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Georges PC and Janmey PA. Cell type-specific response to growth on soft materials. J Appl Physiol 98: 1547-1553, 2005.

Storm C, Pastore JJ, MacKintosh FC, Lubensky TC and Janmey PA. Nonlinear elasticity in biological gels. Nature 435: 191-194, 2005.

Wagner OI, Ascano J, Tokito M, Leterrier JF, Janmey PA and Holzbaur EL. The interaction of neurofilaments with the microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein. Mol Biol Cell 15: 5092-5100, 2004.

Janmey, P. A. and Lindberg, U. (2004). Cytoskeletal Regulation: Rich In Lipids. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol, 5, 658-66.

Funaki, M., Randhawa, P. and Janmey, P. A. (2004). Separation of insulin signaling into distinct GLUT4 translocation and activation steps. Mol Cell Biol 24, 7567-77.

ROTATION PROJECTS FOR 2006-2007

1. Image morphology and cytoskeletal changes in GFP-actin or GFP-vimentin expressing fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and other cell types grown of soft materials.
2. Fluorescence and atomic force microscopy of purified cytoskeletal polymers and associated motor proteins.
3. Use of fibrin gels as matrices for cell culture.