The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche is the site where HSCs reside in vivo. The HSC niche is formed by supporting cells that provide structure and appropriate environmental cues for HSCs. In this study, three components of the HSC niche were evaluated for their influence on HSC expansion ex vivo:...
The physics of granular materials is one of the big questions in science. Granular materials serve as a prototype of collective systems far from equilibrium and fundamental questions remain. At the same time, an understanding of granular materials has tremendous practical importance. Among practical problems, granular mixing and its interplay...
Megakaryocytic cells (Mks) are derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and give rise to platelets. Ex vivo culture of HSCs under conditions that promote Mk differentiation has been proposed as a method for producing Mks and platelets for cell therapies. Mk maturation involves the development of polyploid cells via endomitosis,...
Little is known about the transcriptional events underlying megakaryocytic (Mk) differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells. We sought to identify genes and pathways not previously associated with megakaryopoiesis and to evaluate the CHRF-288-11 (CHRF) megakaryoblastic cell line as a model system for investigating megakaryopoiesis.
Using DNA microarrays, Q-RT-PCR, and protein-level assays,...
Structural dynamics in three polymer blend systems, differing largely with respect to morphology, have been investigated. The first system, composed of two immiscible homopolymers, exhibits a microstructure of micron-sized droplets dispersed in a matrix phase. We have examined small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) as a new approach for conducting in situ...
Nature often uses reaction-diffusion(RD) as a means of making structures and materials of unique properties or morphologies on scales from macro- (e.g., stripes in zebras, tigers, and seashells, and formations in trees, agates, and rocks) to microscopic (e.g., cellular growth, chemotaxis and biological waves). However, reaction-diffusion phenomena have not yet...
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the growing concern to produce new drugs have influenced an increase in the amount of research directed towards the engineering of novel polyketides. The polyketide carbon backbone is synthesized by a set of enzymes known as polyketide synthases (PKSs). These catalyze the formation of...
The study of granular matter is both scientifically intriguing and industrially important, yet it presents several unique characteristics and challenges. The discrete nature of granular materials often precludes the use of the continuum descriptions that are so commonly used for fluids, so alternative methods must be developed. Particles interact via...
Spontaneous regeneration in the adult mammalian central nervous system is rare, minimal, and generally does not lead to substantial functional recovery. Tissue engineering strategies to promote nerve regeneration aim to provide an environment that is physically and chemically engineered to enhance tissue formation. Strategic design of this environment is crucial...
The use of processes based on microorganisms to produce fuels, monomers, and pharmaceuticals from renewable feedstocks is increasing today due to their environmental and economic advantages over petrochemical-based processes. In order to unlock the full potential of microorganisms to produce a sustainable industry centered on biosynthesis, an improved understanding of...