Biomimetism of Cellular Movement

Cécile Sykes Principal Investigator Tel:

Julie Plastino Principal Investigator

We study how cells change shape and move, with implications for understanding cancer invasion and metastasis.  Our approach is based on the study of in vitro biomimetic systems and in vivo cellular and animal models to dissect the physical and biochemical mechanisms governing cell shape change and movement. We use techniques such as optical microscopy, micropipette aspiration, optical tweezers, microrheology, microfluidics and apply these techniques to cells, nematode worms and embryos, chicken embryos and mouse oocytes.