CCAM at UConn Health
Is developing new approaches for in vivo measurements and manipulation of molecular events within the cell, and new computational approaches for organizing such data into quantitative models.
CCAM integrates new microscope technologies for making quantitative in vivo live cell measurements with new physical formulations and computational tools that will produce spatially realistic quantitative models of intracellular dynamics.
To investigate the relationships between experimental and computational worlds, we use a tripartite approach described as:
- Measure - develop new tools for measuring spatially resolved dynamic behavior of molecules in cells.
- Model - develop new methods for spatial modeling of biological systems.
- Manipulate - develop new techniques for manipulating the spatial distribution of molecules in living cells.
These three analytical approaches, (measurement, modeling and manipulation) are integrated and interdependent, e.g., models generate predictions that can be validated with new measurements, as well as experimental approaches that manipulate intracellular signals and structures. These approaches allow us to tackle fundamental questions of how the spatial organization of molecules in cell is established and how it is utilized to control cell function. CCAM hosts a confluence of expertise in physics, chemistry, experimental cell biology and software engineering immersed in a biomedical research setting that values interdisciplinary collaborations, and our Training Program in Cell Analysis and Modeling provides a new model for interdisciplinary training in cell biology. CCAM is the home of the Virtual Cell, a computational environment for cell biological modeling developed as a NIH-designated National Resource, and also hosts a variety of projects in biophotonics and live cell microscope imaging methods as well as a state-of-the-art user microscopy facility for nonlinear, confocal, and widefield microscopy.
Upcoming Events
-
Jan
22
CAM Meeting - Milda Stanislauskas12:00pm
CAM Meeting - Milda Stanislauskas
Friday, January 22nd, 2021
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Other Virtual
CAM Meeting
Speaker: Milda Stanislauskas
Title: TBAContact Information: Tiffany - jespersen@uchc.edu
More -
Jan
28
CCAM Seminar Series - Ditlev12:00pm
CCAM Seminar Series - Ditlev
Thursday, January 28th, 2021
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
UConn Health Virtual
CCAM Seminar Series
Time: 12:00 pm
Host: Dr. Bruce Mayer
Speaker: Jonathon Ditlev, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Scientist, Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children
Title: “Phase separation: a paradigm shift for understanding the formation and function of T cell signaling clusters”
Abstract: In T cells, activation of many cell surface receptors induces the reorganization of downstream signaling molecules into submicrometer-sized clusters. Upon binding of the T cell receptor to an agonist on an antigen presenting cell, a series of phosphorylation events promotes clustering of the membrane-localized adaptor protein LAT. Subsequently, LAT clusters are moved across the membrane of the T cell by two different concentric actin cytoskeletal networks. This dynamic process is required for proper T cell signaling. However, the mechanism by which LAT clusters form, the functional consequences of clustering, and the mechanism by which clusters are moved by two distinct actin cytoskeletal networks were unclear. The signaling pathway, beginning with the T cell receptor and ending with actin assembly, was reconstituted on model membranes. Triggering of T cell receptor phosphorylation resulted in the formation of membrane-localized liquid-like phase separated clusters composed of signaling molecules that promoted signaling outputs in biochemical reconstitutions and human Jurkat T cells. Reconstituted clusters were enriched in kinases but excluded phosphatases, promoted local actin assembly by recruiting actin nucleation machinery, and displayed compositional-dependent interactions with dynamic actomyosin networks. When Nck and its binding partner N-WASP were present in clusters, clusters bound to and moved with dynamic actin filaments. Clusters lacking these components were instead sterically propelled by moving actin filaments. In cells, Nck dissipates from LAT clusters as they are moved across the boundary between the two actin networks. This change in composition likely enables cluster movement by the distinct dynamics of each network to promote T cell signaling. Thus, phase separation of LAT and its binding partners promotes signal propagation from clusters while compositional changes within the clusters enable them to be moved by two distinct actin networks to maintain proper T cell signaling. The principles revealed by these studies likely apply to the numerous two- and three-dimensional phase separated structures that exist within a cell.
Meeting link:
https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/j.php?MTID=mac3796f3a0f1ce4e9856ae9bcee21578
Meeting number: 120 463 0186
Password: EJnJ9Y8s6VP
Host key: 583108
More ways to join
Join by video system
Dial 1204630186@uconn-cmr.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
Join by phone
+1-415-655-0002 US Toll
Access code: 120 463 0186Contact Information: Tiffany; jespersen@uchc.edu
More -
Jan
29
CAM Meeting - Ping Yan12:30pm
CAM Meeting - Ping Yan
Friday, January 29th, 2021
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Other Virtual
CAM Meeting
Speaker: Ping YanContact Information: Tiffany - jespersen@uchc.edu
More -
Feb
5
CAM Meeting - Meagan Cauble12:30pm
CAM Meeting - Meagan Cauble
Friday, February 5th, 2021
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Other Virtual
CAM Meeting
Speaker: Meagan Cauble
Title: TBAContact Information: Tiffany - jespersen@uchc.ed
More -
Feb
12
CAM Meeting - Cancelled12:00pm
CAM Meeting - Cancelled
Friday, February 12th, 2021
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Other Virtual
CAM Meeting _ Cancelled
Lincoln's BirthdayContact Information: Tiffany - jespersen@uchc.edu
More
Inclusivity Statement
CCAM is committed to fostering an inclusive and tolerant research environment. We support students and faculty of all races, religions, ethnicities, differing physical abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
UConn maintains a number of resources to promote inclusivity and to report complaints:
Office of Institutional Equity
Ombuds Office
Dean of Students Office Bias Reporting
Office for Diversity and Inclusion
School of Medicine Office of Multicultural and Community Affairs