Nucleus Mechanobiology Lab
Ass. Prof. Daria Amiad-Pavlov
Horev Career Advancement Chair
Department of Physiology, Biophysics and System Biology
The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine
https://cris.technion.ac.il/en/persons/daria-pavlov-amiad-2/
Bridging Mechanics and Biology in Muscle Tissue: The Nucleus Mechanobiology Lab investigates the dynamics
of nuclear organization and function within the extremely contractile environment of cardiac and skeletal muscle.
We are specifically interested in how mechanical and biochemical signals are integrated and transmitted to the
nucleus to regulate cell adaptation to load.
From Physiology to Pathology: Nuclei in muscle cells possess a unique ability to protect their genome integrity
against constant force and deformation, while simultaneously acting as sensors to adapt cellular function. This sensing
ability is vital for the proper development of a growing heart and for healthy adaptation to exercise or pregnancy.
However, when these mechanisms break down, they contribute to the decline of cardiac function seen in hypertension, heart failure, and aging.
Cutting-Edge Methodology: To understand these complex processes, we develop new methods to manipulate
cytoskeletal forces and their coupling to the nucleus in living, contracting muscle cells. We utilize advanced live
imaging approaches to quantify real-time changes in nuclear organization, chromatin remodeling, and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport.
Impact: Our work aims to further our fundamental understanding of muscle physiology and its remarkable
ability to adapt to mechanical load. By understanding how this process is disrupted in disease, we strive to develop
early diagnostic approaches and discover novel therapeutic targets for heart disease.
