Ongoing Projects

Cerebral Palsy Tissue Biobank

Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by progressive skeletal muscle impairment, culminating in decreased strength and mobility in individuals with CP. To directly study muscle pathology, we are collaborating with UCLA orthopaedic surgeons to build a tissue biobank by obtaining muscle biopsy from individuals with CP as well as control subjects who are undergoing planned orthopaedic surgeries.

 

Effects of spasticity on muscle pathology

We aim to analyze the role of spasticity and mechanotransduction in impaired muscle growth, stiffness, and weakness in individuals with CP. Utilizing single nuclei RNA sequencing, proteomic analysis, multiphoton microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, we are analyzing differential gene expressions associated with altered mechanotransduction, biochemical composition, and extracellular matrix architecture and stiffness.

 

Cellular mechanosensing and signaling pathways in CP

We are building a cell bank by isolating multiple cell types from fresh muscle biopsies to study cellular alterations in individuals with CP. Using immunofluorescence assays, we evaluate focal adhesion complex abundance and actin cytoskeletal alignment. We are also investigating altered regulation of genes for adhesion complexes and proteins involved in sensing and transmitting mechanical forces by isolating RNA from cells for qPCR. To study cells in dynamic environment mimicking in vivo skeletal muscle exercises, we implement innovation cell stretching techniques and analyze changes in morphology, myotube differentiation, and cytoskeletal alignment.