PhD in mechanobiology – Stretch, Stiffen, React

How does a cell’s energy use change when you stretch it?

Cells experience forces as tissues grow, move and change shape. They also respond to the stiffness of the material around them. We know these mechanical cues can change how cells behave, but we’re still learning how quickly cells adjust their metabolism and whether neighbouring cells respond in the same way.

In this PhD, you’ll grow epithelial monolayers on micropatterned hydrogels and use a custom stretching device to apply controlled strain. Using live imaging, you’ll map where and when metabolic changes occur across the monolayer. You’ll investigate how those responses depend on the stiffness of the gel and whether a sheet of cells responds uniformly or develops local differences in energy use.

Supervisors: Sarah Woolner, John Robert Davis, Tobias Zach and Oliver Jensen. FindAPhD listing index

For informal enquiries, email sarah.woolner@manchester.ac.uk or john-robert.davis@manchester.ac.uk. Hungry Tissue Lab