Introduction to Force and Motion in Human Cells

In our cells, molecular motors move biological cargo along the cytoskeleton.

We study the tiny molecular motors that cell use to produce force and motion in human cells. 

Project description

Human cells necessitate force production for essential life functions like movement, respiration, and resisting gravity. Even subtler processes such as cell division and nutrient uptake rely on force production inside cells. Myosins, a class of proteins, convert energy into force and motion. Humans possess 40 myosin genes, enabling diverse cellular forces. This program supports undergraduates studying two myosin genes, MYO9B and MYH9, crucial for intestinal cell shape. Mutations in these genes are associated with Celiac and Crohn's diseases. Participants will learn light microscopy (e.g., confocal fluorescence) to image cells expressing gene variants and molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning) to investigate disease mechanisms. This research offers insight into how gene alterations contribute to human diseases, equipping students with valuable skills in cell biology and molecular techniques. 

Project outcome

• Students will develop critical thinking skills and exposure to the scientific method through direct instruction on the design of experiments. This will include designing experiments to directly test a hypothesis using proper positive and negative controls alongside experimental conditions.
• Students will evaluate research data generated through quantification and plotting of data common to many scientific fields and develop familiarity with proper statistical analysis to reach reproducible results and conclusions.
• Students will collaborate with their research mentor and others in the lab through effective oral and written communication.
• Students will present a summary of their research in a seminar.

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Longer than a semester; 6-9 months
Start time Summer (May/June) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (can only function with in-person engagement) 
Level of collaboration Individual student project 
Benefits Stipend 
Who is eligible Sophomores & Juniors who are STEM majors enrolled in, or applying to, Biochemistry Major at the University at Buffalo.

Core partners

  • Andrew Lombardo, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry Department at The University at Buffalo.
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences
    (Downtown Campus)

Project mentor

Andrew Lombardo

Assistant Professor

Biochemistry

Phone: (716) 881-8007

Email: atlombar@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Read a single review article : https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100814-125234

(Pdf Version):   IntroductiontoForceandMotioninHumanCells_79406182_annurevcellbio100814125234.pdf | Powered by Box

Watch this short Khan Academy video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zopoN2i7ALQ

Keywords

Lombardo, Biochemistry, Protein , Biophysics, Microscopy, Force, Cytoskeleton, Actin, Myosin