Worldwide, there are estimated to be fifty million people with neurodegenerative diseases. This number is expected to double every twenty years as the population ages. The powerful combination of light-based techniques and human in vitro models has recently opened unprecedented opportunities for studying disease pathogenesis and performing drug screening. Organoids are 3D in vitro models...
Connexin-32 (Cx32), encoded by the GJB1 gene, play a crucial role in communication between living cells. Mutations in this gene lead to the X-linked form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT1X) disease, a progressive neuropathy that damages peripheral nerves. We identified a novel gene mutation (H73L) located at the border between the Cx32 protein's extracellular loop and the transmembrane domain....
The close proximity between intracellular organelles is critical to regulate fundamental cell pathways, such as Ca2+ signaling, lipid metabolism, cell death and ER stress. Notably, alterations of organelle contacts have been reported in several pathologies. Therefore, defining the regulation of organelle juxtaposition and its contribution to different cellular functions is critical. However,...
Controlled actuation of liquid droplets on a surface has important implications in many industrial applications, such as heat transfer, water harvesting, energy generation, and even in clinical diagnostics. In recent years, various strategies have been used to control the motion of droplets, either in an active or passive manner. In this work, an optofluidic platform that performs the...
The intricate regulation of calcium signalling plays a pivotal role in cellular processes, particularly in adrenal cells responsible for aldosterone production. Using calcium sensitive fluorescent ratiometric dye fura-2, this study investigates Angiotensin II (Ang II) induced intracellular calcium oscillations in adrenocortical cells, from primary normal tissue and aldosterone-producing...
Controlled splitting of liquid droplets is a key function in many microfluidic and industrial applications. In recent years, various methodologies have been used to accomplish this task. In this work, I present an optofluidic platform based on an engineered surface formed by coating a z-cut iron-doped lithium niobate (Fe:LiNbO3) crystal with a lubricant-infused layer (LIS),...
Glasses flee from a simple classification within the traditional states of matter such as solids, liquids, or crystalline structures. Their distinctive lack of long-range order sets them apart from crystalline solids on the one hand, while their extremely high viscosity distinguishes them from common liquids on the other. The disordered atomic arrangement of glasses sets off several...
