Low Intensity Vibration (LIV) is the principle experimental treatment employed in Chan lab to mechanically stimulate cells. A LIV device works by producing a sinusoidal vibration with an associated acceleration and frequency that transmits to the cells fixed on top of the device. Here is an image of a LIV device, lovingly named “Jeff”, that I helped to assemble last year vibrating two six-well plates of cells:

Prior to my arrival in the Chan lab, Chan lab’s research showcased that LIV affects mechanically sensitive cell signaling pathways with varied impacts on different adherent cell types found in the musculoskeletal system. These varied effects include thicker cartilage production in obese mice, higher bone retention in a urine mouse model,  as well as changes in protein expression for mesenchymal stem cells, to name a few. 

Currently, Chan lab is working with T-cell cultures to investigate the effect of LIV on suspension cells. My research project this year explores how LIV affects T-cells, specifically focusing on its impact on protein expression and activity related to cell proliferation. 

Preliminary proliferation data suggests that LIV increases the rate of proliferation in T-cells which shows promise for applications in shortening the costly expansion phase of CAR T-cell therapy. 

As part of my research, I am looking to uncover potential links between LIV and cellular aging by analyzing telomerase activity using a Telomerase Activity Quantification (TAQ) kit. My first few runs of this PCR-based assay indicate an increase in telomerase activity with LIV, but I need to repeat the experiment several more times before drawing conclusions . 

In the coming months, I intend to leverage my current coursework in machine learning, simulation modeling, and bioinformatics to develop a machine learning model that will identify key features of T-cells influencing their response to LIV. Stay tuned!