Engineering Cellular Microenvironments Biophysical and Biochemical Signal Cues in Regulation of Cell Fate Decision Background & Research Interactions between cells and their extracellular microenvironment influence multiple aspects of cellular functions and fate decision in physiological and pathological processes. Traditional cell culture in two dimensions (2D) frequently lacks the properties of the three dimensions (3D) occurring in many cellular tissues. The in vitro reconstitution of well-defined cellular microenvironments using artificial or natural materials is a promising tool to apply high-resolution analytical techniques including long-term single cell tracking. Advantageously, engineered matrices need to be 3D with a defined composition, stiffness, and microarchitecture, as these parameters are known to significantly influence cell behavior. We aim to engineer 3D physiologically and pathologically relevant biomimetic microenvironments from collagen and fibrin with defined properties in topology, fibril morphology, mechanics and functionality. Varying protein concentration as well as fibrillation conditions or functionalization with other matrix proteins of the ECM, like fibronectin, laminin and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), allows a defined adjustment of functional properties of the in vitro matrices. The biomimetic 3D matrices use for in vitro studies regarding cell migration, proliferation or differentiation of various cell types including fibroblast, macrophages, hematopoietic stem cells and melanoma cells. Requirements ► Experience in cell culture, immunostaining and microscopy ► Willing to work within a highly interdisciplinary team of biochemists and biophysicists Leipzig Leipzig is one of the liveliest and most dynamic cities in Germany. Whether as a musical city, trade fair mecca or city of books – Leipzig has been an important European center for hundreds of years. As a comprehensive university, the Universität Leipzig covers the entire spectrum from natural sciences, law and medicine to a wide range of study programmes in humanities and social sciences. Currently, close to 29,000 students are enrolled at the Universität Leipzig. energiemetropole-leipzig.de For further information Jiranuwat Sapudom eMail: [email protected] Website:http://www.biochemie.uni-leipzig.de/agpompe/home.php
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