We develop an interdisciplinary approach to investigate how cellular forces, local cell and tissue mechanical properties contribute to the modulation of neuronal and glial functions. By using cell stretcher, micropatterned substrates, complex compliant cell culture substrates and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we study the mechanical activation of brain cells (neurons, astrocytes and glial cells) and their interactions. We aim to understand how neurons and glial cells respond to external forces and mechanical cues of their microenvironment. Our long-term goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to participate to the development of effective therapeutic solutions.
J. Lantoine et al. ACS Chemical Neuroscience 12, 3885-3897 (2021)
J. Lantoine et al. Biomaterials 89, 14-24 (2016)
T. Grevesse et al. Scientific Reports 5, 1-10 (2015)