PIEZO1 Research - Pathak Lab
Position: Bioinformatics Programmer III (2018-Present) Location: Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, UC Irvine PI: Dr. Medha Pathak
Overview
Software development for 3D super-resolution and light-sheet microscopy data visualization and analysis of calcium imaging experiments, with focus on PIEZO1 mechanosensitive channel proteins.
Research Focus
PIEZO1 channels are mechanically-activated ion channels that convert physical force into biological signals. This research investigates:
- PIEZO1 protein localization in cells
- Channel activity in response to mechanical stimuli
- Development of imaging tools for studying mechanotransduction
- Analysis workflows for super-resolution microscopy data
Techniques
Microscopy
- TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence) microscopy
- 3D super-resolution imaging
- Light-sheet microscopy
- Live-cell calcium imaging
Computational
- Custom Python analysis software
- Image processing pipelines
- Data visualization tools
- Automated batch analysis
Tools Developed
FLIKA Plugins
Development of custom plugins for fluorescence image analysis: - SPT Batch Analysis for particle tracking - thunderSTORM-FLIKA for super-resolution analysis - Cell Edge Movement for membrane dynamics
Key Findings
Research ongoing
Publications
- Bertaccini, GA, Evans, E, Nourse, JL, Dickinson, GD, Liu, G, Casanellas, I, Seal, S, Ly, A, Holt, J, Yan, S, Hui, E, Panicker, M, Upadhyayula, S, Parker, I, Pathak, MM. (2024) PIEZO1-halotag hiPSC lines: A new tool to assay PIEZO1 localization and activity from single cells to tissue organoids. Biophysical Journal 123(3), 242a-243a. DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.11.1537
Collaborations
This work involves collaboration with: - Parker Lab
Related Projects
Page last updated: December 2024