Amy Rowat

A central question to life is how particular phenotypic states are generated and maintained in cells that have the exact same DNA, and how biochemical reactions are intricately organized both spatially and temporally to regulate cellular physiology. Much of this activity happens in the cell nucleus. In addition to DNA sequence, the physical and mechanical properties of the nucleus are critical: for example, changes in nuclear mechanical stability and morphology are implicated in disease, differentiation, and aging. My long-term vision is to establish a framework to understand the interplay between the mechanical properties of the nucleus and its physiological function; this would make it possible to fully understand the functional consequences of nuclear physical, material, and mechanical properties in diverse physiological and evolutionary contexts ranging from disease to tissue regeneration.

More broadly I am interested in the physical and mechanical properties of biological material, and how they relate to physiological function. Food provides an excellent example: for example, how do the mechanical properties of different muscle types relate to the texture of meat, and what are the consequences for the food we eat?



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