Name: Vanessa Heitmann (b. Wiemann)
Diploma / M.Sc degree: Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany
(March 2004)
Title: Functional Characterization of Cell-Substrate Interactions

Abstract of Research Project

Attachment and spreading of cells on surfaces is a complex and versatile process, initiated by nonspecific interactions of the cell with the surface, followed by the establishment of specific molecular contacts of the receptor-ligand type which are mediated by integrin binding to the corresponding ECM proteins. Integrins are transmembrane proteins connecting the intracellular cytoskeleton to the ECM, which provides mechanical stability to the cell-substrate adhesion and thus for the cell-substrate contact.

Our interest is focused on the functional characterization of cell-substrate interactions by using biophysical methods like for instance impedance spectroscopy (IS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Especially the influence of shear and tensile stress on cell adhesion mechanics will be functionally analysed. Shear stress is experimentally applied by using piezoelectric culture substrates. Collagen-coated magnetic beads anchored to the dorsal cell surface are used to apply vertical tensile forces. Another aspect of the project is directed towards the dynamics of cell-substrate interactions which are determined from fluctuations in the biophysical readouts. Fluctuation analysis should provide an indication of the motility of the cells and thus about their vitality under different conditions.


Vanessa Heitmann
eMail: Vanessa Heitmann