When
Monday, September 23rd, 2024 - 12:00 p.m.
Kelvin Pond
Assistant Research Professor
Cellular and Molecular Medicine
University of Arizona
"Mechanical Signaling and Colonic Cell Fate Determination"
Keating 103
Zoom link | Password: BearDown
Host: Alex McGhee
(Instructor permission required for enrolled students to attend via Zoom)
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the Disability Resource Center at 621-3268 (V/TTY).
Abstract: In this seminar, I will introduce a novel tool we have developed for tracking stem cell fate decisions in living human organoids. This system allows precise monitoring of stem cell behavior in response to external stimuli. Our findings show that a brief mechanical stimulus is sufficient to induce long term stem cell commitment, accompanied by the release of the anti-EGFR protein Merlin. These results highlight a mechanistic link between mechanical cues and signaling pathways that govern stem cell differentiation, offering new perspectives on the regulation of tissue homeostasis and potential implications for therapeutic interventions.
Bio: Kelvin Pond is an assistant research professor at the University of Arizona's Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, where he is developing patient-derived organoid technology to advance the understanding of epithelial homeostasis and single-cell kinase dynamics. His research, which integrates collaboration with machine learning specialists and bioengineers, focuses on DNA repair, genomic instability, and the development of innovative therapeutic solutions. Dr. Pond is actively establishing a new lab dedicated to these efforts. As a Wellcome Trust Researcher and recipient of the 2023FASEB Outstanding New Investigator Award, he is committed to mentoring emerging scientists and driving novel biotech research.