Decoding Volume Regulation Across Timescales with Ultrafast imaging and Mechanistic Modelling

Cell volume is fundamental to biological organisation, controlling molecular concentration, intracellular transport, membrane tension and cytoplasmic mechanics. Cell volume emerges from coupled osmotic and hydrostatic pressures, water movement across the membrane, intracellular poroelasticity and active ion regulation operating from milliseconds to minutes. These overlapping processes are difficult to distinguish using conventional imaging.

This interdisciplinary PhD will combine ultrafast quantitative phase imaging, microfluidic pressure control and mechanistic modelling to identify the physical parameters that govern cell-volume regulation. The project builds directly on our previous BBSRC Transformative Research Technologies award, which developed advanced QPI and open tools for mechanobiology. Operating above 300 frames per second, our label-free platform can measure the earliest volume responses before slower active regulation dominates.

The student will receive interdisciplinary training in advanced quantitative microscopy, biophysics, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology and mathematical modelling.

The project is lead by Dr Pierre Bagnaninchi and based at the recently opened Institute for Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh.

Please also see https://gramhansenlab.com/ for more relevant info.