| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Arturo Sobarzo gabrielsobarzo@tamu.edu Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty Mentor: | Joseph M. Rutkowski, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Spring 2017: (full) |
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Team Size:
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6 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Course credit; experience with a range of biological research techniques, such as tissue culture, RNA analysis, and imaging
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Team Needs:
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Detail-attentive, coachable, punctual. Students will have to complete BL2 training in addition to the standard laboratory safety training. |
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Description:
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We will be utilizing genetic mouse models and isolating adipose cells, then manipulating the cellular microenvironments in which the cells live in vitro. This will involve varying the composition of the extracellular matrix and scaffolding as well as interstitial flow rates, among other elements. The adipose cells and their matrices will then be analyzed mechanically (porosity, stiffness, etc.) in addition to being imaged and quantified using qPCR. This project is of timely medical significance in regards to obesity and adipose tissue inflammation. |