Our group develops model substrates that offer complete control over the presentation of ligands that interact with adherent cells. In particular, our goals are to develop substrates that maintain high and uniform activity of ligands, prevent non-specific protein adsorption, control the densities of ligands, immobilize multiple ligands in discreet patterns, and that offer dynamic control over ligand activities. Our work has emphasized the chemical biology of cell adhesion and is characterized by a bottom-up approach to creating models of ECM that have reduced complexity but are still biologically relevant. Examples of our work include:
- Model Substrates
- Immobilization of Ligands
- Patterning Ligands
- Dynamic Substrates
- Biochip Assays and Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors
- Synergy Peptide from Fibronectin
- Cell Adhesion to Angiopoietin-1
- Focal Adhesion Structure and Dynamics
- Rewiring Cell Adhesion