Research

Our research explores the use of engineering biophysics, cell and molecular biology and biochemistry to address critical issues in aging, cardiovascular diseases and cancer metastasis. Our key contributions are: 1) the development of a method to reverse stem cell aging for vascular rejuvenation; 2) the discovery of intracellular mechanisms regulating cell mechanosensing in confinement; 3) uncovering the underlying mechanobiological processes that affect cell migration.

Our team combines bioengineering assays (e.g. microfluidics), (stem) cell engineering, imaging, and molecular biology techniques with next generation sequencing, quantitative analysis and mathematical modeling in order to develop tools which will delineate the mechanisms responsible for the development and progression of (patho)physiological phenomena. We are particularly interested in exploring how biochemical and biophysical cues affect fundamental cellular processes such as migration, differentiation and gene expression in order to develop therapeutic interventions against the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases, cellular/organismal aging and cancer.

Research Funding

Research funding in detail

1. Sponsor: National Institute of Health
   Project title: Administrative supplement for the purchase of a confocal microscope
   Budget: $250,000
   Dates: 07/01/2023-06/30/2024
   PI: Dr. Panagiotis Mistriotis
   
   
2. Sponsor: National Institute of Health
   Project title: Cell mechanoresponses in physiologically relevant microenvironments
   Budget: $1,865,315
   Dates: 08/10/2022-06/31/2027
   PI: Dr. Panagiotis Mistriotis
   
   
3. Sponsor: American Heart Association
   Project title: The contributions of cytokinesis proteins to smooth muscle cell function in health and disease
   Budget: $231,000
   Dates: 04/01/2022-03/31/2025
   PI: Dr. Panagiotis Mistriotis
   
   
4. Sponsor: Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama
   Project title: Integrating bioengineering tools, genome-wide genetic screens and in vivo models to discover new determinants of triple negative breast cancer cell invasion
   Budget: $69,414
   Dates: 12/15/2021-12/14/2022
   PIs: Dr. Panagiotis Mistriotis (70%), Dr. Robert Rusty Arnold (30%)
   
   
5. Sponsor: National Blood Foundation
   Project title: Eliminating senescent bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells using microfluidics
   Budget: $74,868
   Dates: 07/01/2021-06/30/2023
   PI: Dr. Panagiotis Mistriotis
   
   
6. Sponsor: Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Auburn University
   Project title: Bioengineering tools to uncover the mechanisms of human mesenchymal stem cell migration
   Budget: $50,000
   Dates: 07/01/2021-06/30/2023
   PI: Dr. Panagiotis Mistriotis