GAO Yunfeng
Alumni, Research Associate, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore
Transfer to Physics 31 Dec 2020
Sun Xiaofan
Research Fellow, Li Group
Ivanna Williantarra
Research Fellow, Young Group
Shailaja Seetharaman awarded the Yamaguchi Medal 2026
Congratulations to MBI Principal Investigator Asst. Prof. Shailaja Seetharaman on receiving the Yamaguchi Medal for Biomechanics (2026).
Joe presents the lab’s latest research at the National Institute of Biological Sciences mini-symposium in Beijing!
Grateful for the invitation to present our lab's latest research at the mini-symposium on biophysics and modelling at the National Institute of Biological Sciences in Beijing. Looking forward to future exciting collaborations!
Celebrating the Chan lab’s 5th Anniversary with its first ever Lab retreat!
Lots of fun sharing crazy science and round table discussions on career development and lab culture.
Ariell Smith
Research Fellow, Young Group
Kong Mengya
Research Fellow, Bershadsky Lab
Emily Troying Chan
Research Fellow, Bershadsky Lab
Mallica Pandya
Research Fellow, Young Group
Tan Zi Swan
Research Assistant, Li Group
Seeking Laboratory Technologist (Wet Lab Core Facility) at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore (NUS), is seeking to recruit a Laboratory Technologist (Wet Lab Core Facility).
Great to host Saanjbati Adhikari, Reviews Editor at Development, at MBI
Saanjbati gave a lovely seminar to the MBI community on publishing in Development and her personal journey in academic publishing. It was also a huge privilege to share my own research journey through the Transitions in Development series (read here).
Check out the latest preprint from the lab!
Dual curvature sensing governs cell orientation and curvotaxis. Read the preprint here!
Welcoming the latest summer interns to the lab!
The Chan Lab kicked off the summer by welcoming our incoming interns over a hearty meal together!
Building the Future of Cell Biology Together at Cell Bio 2026
Professor Rong Li, President of the American Society for Cell Biology calls for participation for Cell Bio 2026 in San Diego. The meeting will feature more than 400 scientific talks and over 2,500 poster presentations, alongside symposia, minisymposia, and special interest subgroup sessions selected by the Program Committee directly from member-suggested topics.
Seeking Research Assistant in the labs of Dr. Natalie Dye and Dr. Alphée Michelot at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the labs of Dr. Natalie Dye and Dr. Alphée Michelot at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Vascular Mechano-medicine Lab led by Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the research group of Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at the Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Physiology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS.
A Cell Never Forgets: How Prior Environments Affect Confined Cell Migration
Researchers from the Holle Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS discover that cells retain mechanical memory that influences subsequent migration despite environmental changes, suggesting broader implications for understanding wound healing, fibrosis and cancer metastasis.
The Young Lab Welcome Visitors from Raffles Girls’ School!
The Young Lab hosted visitors from Raffles Girls' School as part of MBI's outreach event.
Force sensing in cells at the single molecule level
Professor Yan Jie and his team from the Mechanobiology Institute collaborated with Professor Liu Xiaogang from the Department of Chemistry, NUS, to determine the exact force needed to activate Piezo1, via a DNA-based approach.
MBI Hosts Students from Raffles Girls School!
MBI hosted students from Raffles Girls School on 28 April 2026, for an outreach session designed to spark curiosity about mechanobiology and research careers.
Farewell Avery, All the Best!
Farewell to Dr. Avery Rui Sun, a former PhD student at the Young Lab from 2021-2026!
Ting, Hatice and Raageshwari in ASBTE Conference 2026
The Young Lab attends the 2026 Australasian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (ASBTE) from 30 Mar-2 Apr 2026!
Raageshwari and Hatice visit Prof. Khoon Lim’s Lab in USyd
Raageshwari and Hatice from the Young Lab visits Prof. Khoon Lim's lab in USyd.
Pallavi Chinnu Varghese
Research Fellow, Young Group
Takafumi Sakai
Research Fellow, Hirashima Group
Paulina Magdalena Pokorska
Research Fellow, Li Group
Piyush Amitabh
Research Fellow, Dye Group
Katherine Anne Lau Enqi
Research Assistant, Young Group
Zhou Hanzhang
Research Fellow, Yu Group
Dongyu Xu
Research Fellow, Yu Group
Li Guang
Research Fellow, Yu Group
Seeking Research Assistant in the research group of Prof. Rong Li at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS, seeks to recruit a Research Assistant in the research group of Prof. Rong Li.
Check out the lab’s latest publication and preprint!
Access the publication or the preprint here!
Seeking Head of Microfabrication Core Facility at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS, seeks to recruit a Facility Manager to heads its Microfabrication Core Facility.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Biomaterials and Mechanobiology) in the group of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS, seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Biomaterials and Mechanobiology) in the group of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Spatial Omics) in the group of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS, seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Spatial Omics) in the group of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young.
Congrats to Kelly and Gefei for passing their Qualifying Exams!
Looking forward to the exciting science ahead!
The Chan Lab is delighted to host visitor Norah Spears from U. Edinburgh!
The scientific exchange was fantastic and we deeply appreciated her sharing her scientific journey. It was both inspiring and humbling for our early career researchers!
She is a Scientist: Confidence Formed by Curiosity Over Time
February 11th celebrates The International Day of Women and Girls in Science to promote full, equal access and participation in STEM fields. MBI talks to two of our posdoctoral research fellows about their career as a woman in science.
WANG Liyue
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Yan Jie Group
She is Becoming: Curiosity, Comparison and the Making of a Scientist
February 11th celebrates The International Day of Women and Girls in Science to promote full, equal access and participation in STEM fields. MBI talks to two of our PhD students about their journey in becoming a scientist as women.
How Structural Imbalance Drives Inflammatory Signaling in Senescent Cells
In a study published in Molecular Biology of the Cell led by Celestine Ho at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS, researchers discover that HIF-1α-activation in SASP is a defining feature of the SASP induced by diverse stressors, acting independently of micronuclei generation and cGAS/STING activation.
Chin Sze Khen
Research Assistant, Yu Group
MBI Hosts Students from Sakura High School!
MBI hosted students from Sakura High School, Chiba, Japan on 22nd January 2026 for an outreach session designed to spark curiosity about mechanobiology and research careers.
Seeking Research Assistant in the Young Laboratory, Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to join us in the research group of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young.
Beyond the Trend: Creating the Next Frontier in Cell Biology
Beyond the Trend: Creating the Next Frontier in Cell Biology. A message from Prof. Rong Li, MBI Director and 2026 President of the American Society for Cell Biology.
Violet vs. Blue: Controlling Mechanotransduction with a Single-protein Light Switch
In a study published in the Journal of Cell Science, led by Ryosuke Nishimura at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS, researchers developed an optogenetic tool to precisely manipulate talin’s structure and observe the resulting cellular behavior.
Yiwen Zhu
Research Fellow, Yu Group
Brandon Goh Yeow Wee
Research Fellow, Seetharaman Group
Hana Maldivita Tambrin
Research Fellow, Seetharaman Group
Congratulations to Boon Heng for successfully defending his thesis!
Our heartfelt congratulations to Boon Heng!
Kevin Heinrich Kaub
Research Fellow, Michelot Group
Fang Zhou
Research Fellow, Holle Group
MBI warmly welcomes Shailaja Seetharaman!
MBI warmly welcomes Shailaja Seetharaman as a MBI PI leading the Vascular Mechano-Medicine Lab.
Elgene Chng Junyuan
PhD Student, Lim Group
Bryan Ng Zheng Jie
Research Assistant, Lim Group
Ge Zhixing
Research Fellow, Lim Group
EASMB Symposium 2025 Showcases Global Participation and Relevance
The East Asian Single-Molecule Biophysics Symposium 2025 (EASMB2025) held from 24 to 26 November at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium in the Education Resource Centre, UTown, National University of Singapore showcased global participation and relevance.
Ng Inn Chuan
Research Associate, Yu Group
Byun Young Seo Christina
Research Assistant, Tee Group
Super proud of Arikta Biswas, whose work on theca cell mechanics and compressive stress is now published in Nature Communications!
A huge thanks to our collaborators and reviewers for offering their invaluable feedback as well! Read the article here.
The Pressure That Shapes Life: Mechanical Forces Behind Egg Maturation
Researchers from the Chan Lab at MBI demonstrate the importance of compressive stress exhibited by theca cells in healthy follicle maturation and surrounding support cells, suggesting a new perspective in understanding infertility.
Luo Xujie
Research Assistant, Lim Group
Prof. Lim Chwee Teck elected as an FREng, and received the Otto Schmitt Award
Professor Lim Chwee Teck elected as an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and received the Otto Schmitt Award from IFMBE
Yee Zhuangli
Research Fellow, Low Group
Quantitative Micro-Elastography: New Imaging Tool Uncovers Age-Dependent Mechanical Changes in Ovarian Tissue
Researchers from the Chan Lab at MBI develop a a novel method called quantitative micro-elastography to create detailed 3D maps of ovarian stiffness in mice—revealing crucial insights that could lead to new infertility treatments.
Jie Zhang
Research Fellow, Lim Group
Sui Mingyu
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Group
MBI-MPG Conference 2025: Mechanobiology in Space and Time
The MBI-MPG Conference 2025 was held from 9-12th September at the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore.
MBI-MPG Conference 2025: Mechanobiology in Space and Time.
The MBI-MPG Conference 2025 was held from 9-12th September at the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore.
Seeking Postdoctoral Fellow in Asst. Prof. Natalie Dye’s Laboratory at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Dye Laboratory at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Dr. Jennifer Young Awarded Robert Brown Promising Researcher Award for MOE AcRF Tier 2 Grant
Dr. Jennifer Young received the Robert Brown Promising Researcher Award for her MOE AcRF Tier 2 Grant
Prof Lim Chwee Teck received the 2025 President’s Science Award
Prof. Lim Chwee Teck was awarded the 2025 President’s Science Award (PSA) for his pioneering contributions to cancer research through innovative mechanobiology approaches, successfully bridging engineering, biological sciences and medicine to foster a deeper understanding of cancer metastasis.
Tumor-on-a-chip Shows How Microenvironment Architecture Affects Liver Cancer Therapies
Researchers from the Pavesi Group at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS develops in vitro models of liver tumors to study how the presence of vasculature networks affect cancer therapies.
Liu Shutong
Research Assistant, Hirashima Group
Seeking Research Assistant in the Vascular Mechano-medicine Lab of Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant in the research group of Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at the Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Physiology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS.
MBI-MPG 2025 Conference: A Time and Space of Learning, Honoring and Inspiration
The MBI-MPG Conference 2025: Mechanobiology in Space and Time featured a vibrant scientific programme, communal experiences in Singapore, and moments of remembrance.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Vascular Mechano-medicine Lab of Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the research group of Dr. Shailaja Seetharaman at the Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Physiology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS.
Yiwen Tang
Research Fellow, Chan Group
Early Career Researchers’ Day: A Launchpad for Postdocs and PhD Students
A symposium for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to present their scientific work, network with peers, and participate in career development.
Less is More: Simplified 3D Nanoscopy via Vortex Interference Widens Access
Researchers from the Kanchanawong Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS makes cutting-edge 3D nanoscopy more accessible to researchers without elaborate optical engineering.
The Chan Lab at the MBI-MPG Conference 2025!
Congratulations to Kim Whye and Kosei for being selected for talks, and Boon Heng for winning the 'Best Poster' prize! Thanks to all who gave feedback on our work!
Rac-1 Regulated Cadherin Clusters Mark Naive Stem Cells
Researchers from the Kanchanawong Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS discover a marker of ground-state pluripotent stem cells and what governs it.
Confined Migration Shapes the Bony Fate of Stem Cells
Researchers from the Holle Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS discover that migration through confined spaces causes lasting nuclear changes in stem cells, biasing them toward bone formation.
P. Shakthi
Research Assistant, Dye & Michelot Groups
Lim Choon Kiat
Senior Research Fellow, Li Group
Nicholas Chan Zhen Woon
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Group
Disrupted Cell-Matrix Interactions Drives Aging and Reveals New Paths for Skin Regeneration
Researchers from the Li Lab discover how α5-integrin–FN interactions preserve dermal integrity, offering new insights for antiaging strategies targeting ECM organization and fibroblast function.
DECIPHERing the Role of Cell-Matrix Interactions in Ageing Heart Health
Researchers from the Soft Nano-Biomaterials Lab at MBI developed a material system to enable precise investigation into how individual ECM properties affect cultured heart cells.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the research group of Dr. Tsuyoshi Hirashima at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the research group of Dr. Tsuyoshi Hirashima at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
How Dying Cells Signal Growth: Mechanical Forces Drive Targeted Cell Proliferation after Apoptosis
Researchers from the Toyama Lab at MBI reveal how mechanical factors control apoptosis and cell replacement.
Scientists Develop AI-Driven Tool to Map 3D Cellular Landscapes
Researchers from the Beghin Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS combine DeepStar3D algorithm and 3DCellScope interface to develop an experimental tool for real-time interaction with cell data.
Seeking Research Assistant in Transmission Electron Microscopy at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Assistant in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
Seeking Research Fellow in Transmission Electron Microscopy at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Fellow in Transmission Electron Microscopy at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
Hu Yuqi
Research Assistant, Yu Group
The Nano-Heartbuilder: BNIP-2 Influences Mechanosensing in Cardiomyoblast Differentiation
Researchers from the Low Lab at MBI discover a crucial role for the scaffold protein BNIP-2 in orchestrating focal adhesion dynamics during early heart development, offering new insights into heart regeneration strategies.
Shedding Light on Local Microtubule Regulation of Focal Adhesions
Researchers from the Bershadsky Lab at MBI utilized optogenetics to unlock the role of microtubules in regulating focal adhesion disassembly, an important step in cell migration. http://www.mbi.nus.edu.sg/featured-research/microtubules-and-cell-movement-a-closer-look-at-focal-adhesion-disassembly
A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Ph.D Cohort!
MBI is delighted to welcome the 2025 cohort of Ph.D students. Coming from a rich tapestry of countries – China, Vietnam, Singapore, India and the Philippines – these eleven outstanding individuals bring with them interdisciplinary expertise and fresh perspectives that will enrich MBI’s vibrant research community.
Neha Paddillaya
Research Fellow, Chan Group
Privita Edwina
Research Fellow
ZHUANG Zirui
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Li Group
ZHAO Jiayu
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Kanchanawong Group
YAN Chengrui
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Yan Jie Group
NGUYEN Dinh Thach Lam
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Hirashima Group
Miguel SOON Jun Yi
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Low Group
LYU Min
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Lim Group
HOANG Mai Thanh Truc
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Yu Group
Hannah Abilaguyo YUSON
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Holle Group
Diya NARANG
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Michelot Group
QUAN Cheng
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Li Group
CHEAM Mei Shan
PhD Student, Class of August 2025, Toyama Group
Thanks to Christiani Amorim at UC Louvain, for the kind invitation
Looking forward to new collaborations in the future!
Congratulations to Wee Juin Shin for being selected to present his work at the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium!
Our Amgen scholar, Wee Juin Shin, has been selected to present his work on ‘the Influence of substrate curvature on theca cell nematic flow’, at the Amgen Scholar Asia Symposium in Kyoto!
Geetika Chouhan
Research Fellow, Dye Group
Seeking Research Assistant for project with MBI Fellow Dr. Tee Yee Han at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to work with MBI Fellow Dr. Tee Yee Han.
Seeking Research Fellow in the group of Prof. Alexander Bershadsky at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Research Fellow in the group of Prof. Alexander Bershadsky at the MBI, NUS.
Vaishnavi Rangaraj
Research Assistant, Holle Group
Liu Haoqiu
Research Fellow, Michelot Group
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow for collaborative project between Dr. Yin Loon Lee and Prof. Alexander Bershadsky at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a collaborative project between Dr. Yin Loon Lee (A*STAR) and Prof. Alexander Bershadsky.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the group of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young's lab.
Super excited about the arrival of our optical coherence microscopy! Stay tuned for exciting data in the near future…
A huge thanks to Ling Wang from the Prevedel lab (EMBL Heidelberg) for helping us to set up this device!
Seeking Research Fellow in the Confinement Mechanobiology group at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to fill a Research Fellow (Postdoctoral Fellow) position in nanobiotechnology.
Biomaterial shows how ageing in the heart could be reversed
A new lab-grown material has revealed that some of the effects of ageing in the heart may be slowed and even reversed. The discovery could open the door to therapies that rejuvenate the heart by changing its cellular environment, rather than focusing on the heart cells themselves.Learn more
Rejuvenation of aged egg cells
MBI researchers collaborated with NUS Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, based at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, to develop an innovative technique to significantly enhance the reproductive potential of aged oocytes, or immature egg cells, potentially paving the way for better outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), for older females. Learn more
Seeking Research Assistant in Cell Mechanics and Mechanobiology at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Assistant in Cell Mechanics and Mechanobiology in the lab of Prof. Lim Chwee Teck at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Seeking Research Assistant in the labs of Dr. Natalie Dye and Dr. Alphée Michelot at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the labs of Dr. Natalie Dye and Dr. Alphée Michelot at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Seeking Research Fellow in the lab of Prof. Rong Li at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the lab of Prof. Rong Li at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
Seeking Research Fellow in the lab of Dr. Anne Beghin at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the lab of Dr. Anne Beghin at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
Seeking Scientific Communicator at the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore (NUS), seeks to recruit a Scientific Communicator.
Melvino Sin
Senior Laboratory Executive, SIMBA
Seeking Research Fellow in Dr Alphée Michelot’s Group at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the group of Dr Alphée Michelot at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Seeking Laboratory Technologist (Wet Lab Core Facility) at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore (NUS), is seeking to recruit a Laboratory Technologist (Wet Lab Core Facility).
Zhang Zheng
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Group
Avery Sun selected for CEMB Future Leaders in Mechanobiology Seminar Series
MBI PhD student Avery Sun was selected for the Future Leaders in Mechanobiology Seminar Series in February 2025. This monthly seminar series is hosted by the Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Felix Uecker
Research Fellow, Li Group
Seeking Postdoctoral Fellow in Asst. Prof. Natalie Dye’s Laboratory at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Dye Laboratory at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Yao Ye
Research Fellow, Li Group
Pratchaya Rukthanapitak
Research Associate, Kanchanawong Group
Song Xiao
Research Fellow, Lim Group
Fan Shicheng
Research Fellow, Lim Group
Pawan Kumar Mishra
Research Fellow, Hirashima Group
Arceo Alaine Vien Villanueva
Research Assistant, Dye & Michelot Group
Xixun Lu
SPS Intern, Chan Group
Hannah Fung
Research Fellow, Li Group
Hatice Zohra Michèle Holuigue
Research Fellow, Young Group
Seeking Research Assistant in the lab of Dr. Anne Beghin at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the lab of Dr. Anne Beghin at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
Zheng Kexiao
Research Associate, Yu Group
Derek Yuen Yee Jun
Research Assistant, Bershadsky Group
Lab Meeting with the Chan Lab – the Node
The Chan Lab sits down with the Node for to chat about lab life (read here)!
Defining the pattern of cell death and replacement
Researchers from the Toyama Lab at MBI reveal how mechanical factors control apoptosis and cell replacement. https://www.mbi.nus.edu.sg/featured-research/defining-the-pattern-of-cell-death-and-replacement
The Chan lab celebrates two new papers!
Congratulations to the teams! (Read the publication here and the preprint here)
Seeking Research Associate in Molecular and Cell Biology in the Kanchanawong Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Associate in Molecular and Cell Biology to join the Kanchanawong at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
Teh Zhi Jing
Research Assistant, Low Group
Congratulations to Kim Whye Leong for presenting excellent work at the Imaging Mouse Development Workshop held at EMBL Heidelberg!
Congratulations to Kim Whye Leong for presenting excellent work at the Imaging Mouse Development Workshop held at EMBL Heidelberg from 2 to 5 Sept 2024. Thanks for all the feedback from the expert audience!
Seeking Research Assistant in the labs of Dr. Natalie Dye and Dr. Alphée Michelot at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the labs of Dr. Natalie Dye and Dr. Alphée Michelot at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Chan Laboratory, Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Chan Laboratory at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Welcome to Daniel!
Daniel is a UROP intern who will be applying a machine learning approach to study follicle development.
Le Mai Tan Dat (Daniel)
UROPS Intern, Chan Group
Wang Shida
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Lim Group
Tan Jue Yu Kelly
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Chan Group
Shelly Anne Gnapragasan
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Michelot Group
Mariana Barrera Velazquez
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Dye Group
Lee Yuan Zhe
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Hirashima Group
Le Thuy Truc Anh
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Toyama Group
Kottpalli Vidhipriya
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Young Group
Goh Jia Lin Kellisa
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Li Group
Cao Gefei
PhD Student, Class of August 2024, Hirashima Group, Chan Group
Seeking Research Assistant in the research group of Prof. Alexander Bershadsky
We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant to work in the research group of Prof. Alexander Bershadsky at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Ivo Johannes Hendrikus Marie de Vos
Research Fellow, Li Group
Hann Shen Ng
Research Fellow, Holle Group
Congratulations to Kim Whye and Jake for their recent achievements
Congrats to Kim Whye for being selected to give an oral presentation and for receiving a travel award for the upcoming Imaging Mouse Development Workshop! Congrats also to Jake for being awarded the prestigious EMBL CPP grant to engage in collaboration with the Prevedel lab!
Joe invited to present at various conferences and research institutes in Japan
Joe was invited to present at the International Symposium on Mechanical control of biological self-organization and the IUPAB Congress 2024 in Kyoto, as well as at WPI-PRIMe in Osaka. It was also a great pleasure to meet up with Katsuhiko Hayashi, an inspiring figure in ovaroids studies!
Push and pull: Joe shares his two cents on current approaches to measuring mechanics in Nature
Great to see developmental mechanics getting highlighted!
Shambhavi Dikshit
Research Fellow, Toyama Group
Nishanth Venugopal Menon
Senior Research Fellow, Lim Group
Prof Rong Li elected President of the American Society for Cell Biology for 2026
MBI Director Professor Rong Li, has been elected by members of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) to serve as President of the Society in 2026. She will serve as President-Elect on the ASCB Executive Committee beginning 1 January 2025, before starting her term as President on 1 January 2026.
Prof Lim Chwee Teck elected Fellow of the Royal Society
MBI Principal Investigator Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Director of the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology at the National University of Singapore (NUS iHealthtech) and NUSS Professor, has been elected to the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Society
The first research article from the Chan Lab is up on bioRxiv now
Congratulations to Arikta for driving this project!
Congrats to Kim Whye, Boon Heng and Kosei for their accomplishments at the SCBS Annual Conference 2024!
Congratulations to Kim Whye and Boon Heng (below) for presenting their latest research on ovarian follicle development and to Kosei for being awarded the 'Best Poster Prize' at the SCBS Annual Conference 2024.
Seeking Research Assistant in Assoc. Prof. Low Boon Chuan’s Lab at MBI, NUS
We seek to recruit a Research Assistant in Assoc Prof. Low Boon Chuan's Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Joe shares latest work on ovarian mechanobiology at the ACRLE Conference 2024
Joe presents the lab's latest work on murine ovary elasticity at the ACRLE Conference 2024.
Lingyu Sun
Research Fellow, Yu Group
Thanh Phuong Nguyen
Research Fellow, Hirashima Group
Anwesha Guru
Research Fellow, Young Group
Yong Yuen Chee Carmen
Research Assistant, Low Group
Farewell to Lou Yuting!
Farewell to Yuting - we will miss you dearly! All the best in your next endeavor as an independent researcher!
The Chan Lab heads MBI’s Outreach to Raffles Girls’ School!
Over the March school holidays, the Chan Lab headed MBI's Outreach to a group of students from Raffles Girls' School comprising talks and lab demonstrations by MBI's core staff, students and researchers.
Sriram Muthukumar
Research Fellow, Holle Group
Espérance Nku-Mokabo
Research Associate, Grenci Group
Xiaohong Yao
Research Fellow, Li Group
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the research group of Dr. Tsuyoshi Hirashima at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the research group of Dr. Tsuyoshi Hirashima at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Liu Fan
Senior Research Fellow, Grenci Group
Seeking Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Yan Jie’s & Dr. Alexander Ludwig’s group at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to Dr. Yan Jie and Alexander Ludwig's group.
Seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Chan Laboratory, Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Chan Laboratory at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Visit from Prof. Raymond Rodgers, a leading expert in mammalian ovarian biology, in January 2024!
The Chan Lab is incredibly grateful to have Ray share his research with us. After enjoying many discussions and fun moments, we look forward to more future collaborations!
Seeking Scientific Communicator at the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore (NUS), is seeking to recruit a Scientific Communicator.
Congratulations to Jake Turley in securing prestigious Eric & Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoc Fellowship!
Congratulations to Jake Turley in securing prestigious Eric & Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoc Fellowship!
Jake Matthew Turley
Schmidt AI In Science Postdoctoral Fellow, Chan Group
Nicole Ng Shu Ying
Research Assistant, Hirashima Group
Jevon Tan
Research Assistant, Low Group
Chang Ye Ji
PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering Dept, Holle Group
Gao Xu
PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering Dept, Holle Group
Raageshwari D/O Arulselvam
PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering Dept, Young Group
Seeking Postdoctoral Fellow in the Young & Thibault Laboratories at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young's lab.
An early Christmas dinner to celebrate Chan Lab’s accomplishments in 2023!
As the year draws to a close, the Chan Lab celebrated the achievements and contributions by everyone (including many new faces!) in 2023 with an early Christmas dinner, and to thank them for their hard work this busy year. The Lab looks forward to more wonderful things to come in 2024!
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What types of forces do cells encounter?
What types of forces do cells encounter?Cells and subcellular structures [...]
How does the cytoskeleton transmit mechanical forces?
How does the cytoskeleton transmit mechanical forces?It is clear that [...]
How do Focal Adhesions Facilitate Mechanosensing?
How do Focal Adhesions Facilitate Mechanosensing?Focal adhesions are known to [...]
How do Focal Adhesions Sense the Physical Properties of the Matrix?
How do Focal Adhesions Sense the Physical Properties of the [...]
The Cell
The CellCells are the basic units of life; small machines [...]
Spatiotemporal control of DNA, RNA, protein and lipid synthesis
Spatiotemporal control of DNA, RNA, protein and lipid synthesisIn eukaryotes, [...]
Protein Localization
Protein LocalizationIn order for subcellular processes to be carried out [...]
Actin Filaments
What are actin filaments? Actin filaments (F-actin) are linear [...]
What are the functions of actin filaments?
What are the functions of actin filaments? Several biological [...]
How are actin filaments distributed in cells and tissues?
How are actin filaments distributed in cells and tissues? [...]
How do actin filaments act as a force-sensing conduit for both internal and external forces?
How do actin filaments act as a force-sensing conduit [...]
How do actin filaments depolymerize?
How do actin filaments depolymerize? Introduction to Actin Filament [...]
What is actin nucleation?
What is actin nucleation? The first step in actin [...]
How does Arp2/3-mediate the nucleation of branched filaments?
How does Arp2/3-mediate the nucleation of branched filaments? The [...]
How do actin filaments grow?
How do actin filaments grow? Actin Filaments (F-actin) grow [...]
What factors regulate actin filament polymerization?
What factors regulate actin filament polymerization? Nucleation Promoting Factors [...]
Actin Crosslinking
Actin Crosslinking Crosslinking of actin filaments is a critical [...]
What is the role of cortactin in actin polymerization?
What is the role of cortactin in actin polymerization? [...]
What is the role of formin in actin polymerization?
What is the role of formin in actin polymerization? [...]
What is the steady state phase of actin polymerization?
What is the steady state phase of actin polymerization? [...]
What factors influence actin filament length and treadmilling?
What factors influence actin filament length and treadmilling? Several [...]
Alpha-actinin
Alpha-actinin α-actinin is an actin-binding protein [1] and component [...]
Fascin
Fascin Fascin is the major actin crosslinking protein found [...]
Filamin
Filamin The filamin family of proteins bind to both [...]
Fimbrin
Fimbrin Fimbrin (aka plastin homologue, accumentin) is an actin [...]
I-BAR and Other Proteins/Factors
I-BAR and Other Proteins/Factors Proteins containing I-BAR (inverted Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs [...]
What is capping protein?
What is capping protein? Capping protein is involved in [...]
What are intermediate filaments?
What are intermediate filaments? Intermediate filaments are a primary [...]
How are intermediate filaments assembled?
How are intermediate filaments assembled? The soluble subunit for [...]
What are microtubules?
What are microtubules? Microtubules are hollow cylinders [1] that [...]
How does the tubulin complex assemble?
How does the tubulin complex assemble? Microtubules are made [...]
How is microtubule assembly/disassembly regulated?
How is microtubule assembly/disassembly regulated? GTP hydrolysis has been [...]
What is microtubule dynamic instability?
What is microtubule dynamic instability? In most cell types, [...]
What is the role of microtubules in mechanotransduction?
What is the role of microtubules in mechanotransduction? Microtubules [...]
What are Contractile Fibers?
What are Contractile Fibers? Certain myosin isoforms (i.e. myosin [...]
What is Actomyosin?
What is Actomyosin? Actomyosin refers to the actin-myosin complex [...]
How is actomoysin contractility regulated?
How does the contractome protein network regulate actomyosin contractility? [...]
What are Blebs?
What are Blebs? Blebs are blister-like protrusions that occur [...]
How do blebs expand and retract?
How do blebs expand? Expansion lasts between 5 to [...]
What are filopodia?
What are filopodia? Filopodia (singular filopodium) are thin membrane [...]
What is the first step in filopodium formation?
What is the first step in filopodium formation? Actin [...]
How does cross-linking of actin filaments aid in filopodia extension?
How does cross-linking of actin filaments aid in filopodia [...]
How do filopodia attach to the surrounding substrate?
How do filopodia attach to the surrounding substrate? A [...]
How do filopodia pull on a substrate?
How do filopodia pull on a substrate? Although a [...]
How do filopodia move dynamically?
What causes filopodia retraction and collapse? Binding of filopodia [...]
What are lamellipodia and lamella?
What are lamellipodia and lamella? The lamellipodia and lamella [...]
What is the role of the lamellipodia in mechanosensing and cell motility?
What is the role of the lamellipodia in mechanosensing [...]
What steps are involved in Lamellipodia assembly?
What steps are involved in Lamellipodia assembly? The lamellipodia [...]
How does nucleation of actin initiate lamellipodia formation?
How does nucleation of actin initiate lamellipodia formation? In [...]
What mechanisms drive extension, pause and stasis of the lamellipodia?
What mechanisms drive extension, pause and stasis of the [...]
How do focal adhesions act as molecular clutches in lamellipodia?
How do focal adhesions act as molecular clutches in [...]
How does force generation within lamellipodia facilitate cell translocation?
How does force generation within lamellipodia facilitate cell translocation? [...]
What mechanisms drive retraction of the trailing edge?
What mechanisms drive retraction of the trailing edge? Protrusion [...]
What are invadopodia?
What are invadopodia? Invadopodia are actin-rich structures that are [...]
What mechanisms drive invadopodia extension?
What mechanisms drive invadopodia extension? Following initiation by an [...]
How do invadopodia degrade the extracellular matrix?
How do invadopodia degrade the extracellular matrix? The main [...]
What are the first steps in invadopodia assembly and disassembly?
What is the first step in invadopodia assembly? Initiation [...]
What are podosomes?
What are podosomes? Podosomes are actin-rich, adhesive structures that [...]
What are the functions of podosomes?
What are the functions of podosomes? Both focal adhesions [...]
What is the first step in podosome assembly?
What is the first step in podosome assembly? Podosome [...]
What mechanisms drive cytoskeleton extension within podosomes?
What mechanisms drive cytoskeleton extension within podosomes? Interactions between [...]
What are stress fibers?
What are stress fibers? Stress fibers are higher order [...]
What is the function of stress fibers?
What is the function of stress fibers? Stress fibers [...]
What are the steps in dorsal stress fiber formation?
What are the steps in dorsal stress fiber formation? [...]
What are the steps in the formation of transverse arcs?
What are the steps in the formation of transverse [...]
What are the steps in ventral stress fiber formation?
What are the steps in ventral stress fiber formation? [...]
How is stress fiber assembly regulated?
How is stress fiber assembly regulated? Tension-dependent actin polymerization [...]
What is axon guidance and the growth cone?
What is axon guidance and the growth cone? Axon [...]
What are Motor Proteins?
What are Motor Proteins? Motor proteins, such as myosins [...]
How do motor proteins transport cargo along the cytoskeleton?
How do motor proteins transport cargo along the cytoskeleton? [...]
What is Myosin?
What is Myosin? An Introduction to the Myosin Superfamily [...]
Cytoskeleton Dynamics
Cytoskeleton Dynamics The cytoskeleton is a highly dynamic network [...]
What steps are involved in the myosin powerstroke?
What steps are involved in the myosin powerstroke? Each [...]
What is Myosin Light Chain Kinase?
What is Myosin Light Chain Kinase? Myosin light chain [...]
What are cytoskeletal cages?
What are cytoskeletal cages? Cytoskeletal components can assemble into [...]
What is the plasma membrane?
What is the plasma membrane? Plasma membranes are subcellular [...]
Membrane Dynamics
What are cell membranes? What are the physiological functions [...]
How do mechanically-gated ion channels facilitate mechanotransduction?
How do mechanically-gated ion channels facilitate mechanotransduction? Mechanotransduction relies [...]
How do lipid bilayer components move?
How do lipid bilayer components move? One of the [...]
Why are membrane lipids asymmetrical?
Why are membrane lipids asymmetrical? The human red blood [...]
What is membrane curvature?
What is membrane curvature? Membrane curvature refers to the [...]
What is Membrane Trafficking?
What is Membrane Trafficking? Membrane trafficking encompasses the wide [...]
What is caveolar endocytosis?
What is caveolar endocytosis? Caveolar endocytosis is a clathrin-independent [...]
What is clathrin-mediated endocytosis?
What is clathrin-mediated endocytosis? Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a [...]
How is clathrin recruited to the plasma membrane?
How is clathrin recruited to the plasma membrane? Clathrin-mediated [...]
How does the clathrin coated pit form?
How does the clathrin coated pit form? Adaptor proteins [...]
How does invagination and maturation of the clathrin-coated vesicle occur?
How does invagination and maturation of the clathrin-coated vesicle [...]
How does the clathrin-coated vesicle neck narrow?
How does the clathrin-coated vesicle neck narrow? In the [...]
What is flotillin-associated endocytosis?
What is flotillin-associated endocytosis? Flotillins, which are proteins that [...]
What is Fast Endophilin-Mediated Endocytosis (FEME)?
What is Fast Endophilin-Mediated Endocytosis (FEME)? FEME is a [...]
What is exocytosis?
What is exocytosis? Exocytosis is defined as the transport [...]
How does scission of the clathrin-coated vesicle occur?
How does scission of the clathrin-coated vesicle occur? As [...]
How are clathrin-coated vesicles uncoated?
How are clathrin-coated vesicles uncoated? Uncoating is the process [...]
How are clathrin-coated vesicles transported?
How are clathrin-coated vesicles transported? Different cytoskeletal networks have [...]
What is the CLIC/GEEC Endocytosis pathway?
What is the CLIC/GEEC Endocytosis pathway? The CLIC/GEEC (CG) [...]
What is Arf6-associated endocytosis?
What is Arf6-associated endocytosis? Arf6-associated endocytosis is a clathrin-independent, [...]
What is Rho-dependent IL-2 receptor endocytosis?
What is Rho-dependent IL-2 receptor endocytosis? Internalization of transmembrane [...]
What is autophagy?
What is autophagy? Autophagy, meaning self-eating, is an intracellular [...]
What is caveolar endocytosis?
What is caveolar endocytosis? Macropinocytosis or ‘cell drinking’ is [...]
What is phagocytosis?
What is phagocytosis? Phagocytosis is a process by which [...]
Genome Regulation
Genome Regulation Genome regulation encompasses all facets of gene [...]
What is the nucleus?
What is the nucleus? The nucleus is an organelle [...]
How does the nucleus facilitate mechanotransduction?
What properties of the nucleus facilitate mechanotransduction? Similar to [...]
How is nuclear “prestress” maintained?
How is nuclear “prestress” maintained? As an integral part [...]
How is the nucleus coupled to the cytoskeleton?
How is the nucleus coupled to the cytoskeleton? Cytoskeletal [...]
What are nucleosomes?
What are nucleosomes? In order to fit DNA into [...]
What are chromatin, heterochromatin and euchromatin?
What is chromatin, heterochromatin and euchromatin? The human genome [...]
What are chromosomes and chromosome territories?
What are chromosomes and chromosome territories? While metaphase chromosomes [...]
How does chromatin condensation keep the nucleus compact?
How does chromatin condensation keep the nucleus compact? Packaging [...]
How do chromosome territory dynamics affect gene redistribution?
How do chromosome territory dynamics affect gene redistribution? The [...]
What are transcription factories?
What are transcription factories? The primary role of chromatin [...]
How does chromatin remodeling impact gene transcription?
How does chromatin remodeling impact gene transcription? While chromosome [...]
How is transcription regulated in stem cells?
How is transcription regulated in stem cells? Pluripotent stem [...]
How is DNA replicated?
How is DNA replicated? Cells must replicate their DNA [...]
What is translation?
What is translation? Translation is a process that involves [...]
What are telomeres?
What are telomeres? Telomeres are short nucleotide sequences found [...]
What are septins?
What is the role of septins in infection? Host [...]
How do bacteria modulate the host cytoskeleton?
How do bacteria modulate the host cytoskeleton? Some bacterial [...]
What are actin pedestals?
What are actin pedestals? Actin pedestals are raised actin [...]
What are actin comet tails?
What are actin comet tails? Actin comet tails are [...]
Mechanobiology of bacterial pathogenesis
Bacterial Pathogenesis Pathogenesis is defined as the origination and [...]
How does the heart form?
How does the heart form? The heart is derived [...]
What are septins?
What are septins? Septins are highly conserved small GTP [...]
Development
Development Development in higher order organisms commences at conception [...]
What processes occur during cardiac development?
What processes occur during cardiac development? The heart is [...]
How do cardiomyocytes differentiate?
How do cardiomyocytes differentiate? Cardiomyocytes are the chief cell [...]
How does the vascular system form?
How does the vascular system form? What is vasculogenesis? [...]
What is dorsal closure?
What is dorsal closure? The shaping of the embryo [...]
How is dorsal closure controlled by mechanics?
How is dorsal closure controlled by mechanics? A number [...]
What are epithelial tubes?
What are epithelial tubes? Tubulogenesis, or the formation of [...]
How is tubulogenesis regulated by mechanics?
How is tubulogenesis regulated by mechanics? The basic steps [...]
What is cell migration?
What is cell migration? Cell migration is the directed [...]
What is cell polarity?
What is cell polarity? Cell polarity refers to the [...]
How are lipids and protein complexes segregated during cell polarization?
How are lipids and protein complexes segregated during cell [...]
How is the cytoskeleton polarized?
How is the cytoskeleton polarized? As well as the [...]
What is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition?
What is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition? Epithelial to [...]
What is the mesenchymal to epithelial transition?
What is the mesenchymal-epithelial transition? During development, the transitioning [...]
What is hematopoiesis?
What is hematopoiesis? The hematopoietic system, which comprises all [...]
How is hematopoiesis regulated by mechanics?
How is hematopoiesis regulated by mechanics? Once blood circulation [...]
What is the cellular origin of hematopoietic stem cells?
What is the cellular origin of hematopoietic stem cells? [...]
What are cell-cell adhesions?
What are cell-cell adhesions? Cell-cell signaling refers to inter-cellular [...]
How are cell-cell adhesions regulated?
How are cell-cell adhesions regulated? Introduction to the regulation [...]
How do post-translational modifications of cell-cell adhesions impact their stability?
How do post-translational modifications of cell-cell adhesions impact their [...]
What are anchoring junctions?
What are anchoring junctions? Cells adhere to the ECM, [...]
What are selectins?
What are selectins? Members of the selectin family, E-selectin [...]
What are immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules?
What are immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules? Members of [...]
What are tight junctions?
What are tight junctions? Tight junctions, also known as [...]
How are tight junctions assembled?
How are tight junctions assembled? The epithelial tissue is [...]
What are adherens junctions?
What are adherens junctions? Adherens junctions (AJs) are cell-cell [...]
How are adherens junctions assembled?
How are adherens junctions assembled? Introduction to the Assembly [...]
How is the cytoskeleton linked to adherens junctions?
How is the cytoskeleton linked to adherens junctions? Early [...]
What is cadherin?
What is cadherin? The cadherin glycoproteins includes over 100 [...]
What is integrin?
What is integrin? Introduction to integrin and its structure [...]
What are some alternative mechanisms in the regulation of adherens junctions?
What are some alternative mechanisms in the regulation of [...]
What is the ‘Fork Initiation and Zipper’ model?
What is the ‘Fork Initiation and Zipper’ model? The [...]
What is the role of cadherin and nectin recruitment in adherens junction assembly?
What is the role of cadherin and nectin recruitment [...]
What is the role of plaque proteins in adherens junction assembly?
What is the role of plaque proteins in adherens [...]
What is the role of adaptor proteins in the stabilization and function of core adherens junction components?
What is the role of adaptor proteins in the [...]
What is the role of the cytoskeleton in the regulation of cell-cell adhesions?
What is the role of the cytoskeleton in the [...]
What are cell-matrix adhesions?
What are cell-matrix adhesions? The extracellular matrix and the [...]
What are cell-matrix receptors?
What are cell-matrix receptors? Interaction between cell-matrix receptors and [...]
What is parvin?
What is parvin? The parvins are a family of [...]
What is talin?
What is talin? Talin contains a 47-kDa N-terminal head, [...]
What is tensin?
What is tensin? Tensin is a cytoskeleton scaffolding protein [...]
What is vinculin?
What is Vinculin? Vinculin is a protein that couples, [...]
What is zyxin?
What is Zyxin? Zyxin is enriched along actin filaments, [...]
How does integrin clustering affect integrin signalling?
How does integrin clustering affect integrin signaling? Localization of [...]
What ligands bind to integrin?
What ligands bind to integrin? Integrin-Ligand specificity Humans have [...]
What is integrin extension?
What is integrin extension? Integrin extension Upon alteration in [...]
What are guidance cues?
What are guidance cues? During neural development, highly motile [...]
How do neurotrophins, collapsin, and ephrins, serve as guidance cues?
How do neurotrophins, collapsin, and ephrins, serve as guidance [...]
What is the NF-κB pathway?
What is the NF-κB pathway? NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa [...]
What is the Hippo-YAP/TAZ tumor-suppressor pathway?
What is the Hippo-YAP/TAZ tumor-suppressor pathway? Mechanical cues control [...]
What is the Canonical Wnt Receptor Signaling Pathway?
What is the Canonical Wnt Receptor Signaling Pathway? The [...]
How is SRF signaling activated?
How is SRF signaling activated? Myocardin, MAL (or MRTF-A) [...]
How is integrin activated?
How is integrin activated? Integrin activation is an important [...]
What is Serum Response Factor?
What is Serum Response Factor? Serum response factor (SRF) [...]
Which biochemical pathways are regulated by mechanical signals?
Which biochemical pathways are regulated by mechanical signals? Biochemical [...]
How do small GTPases regulate mechanosignaling pathways?
How do small GTPases regulate mechanosignaling pathways? The small [...]
What are Arf GTPases?
What are Arf GTPases? ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) GTPases are [...]
Mechanosignaling
What is mechanosignaling?Cells, whether prokaryotic (unicellular) or eukaryotic (multicellular), constantly [...]
What are Rab GTPases?
What are Rab GTPases? The Rab proteins constitute the [...]
What are Ran GTPases?
What are Ran GTPases? The Ran (Ran-related or Ras-like [...]
What are Ras GTPases?
What are Ras GTPases? The Ras family of small [...]
What are Rho GTPases?
What are Rho GTPases? The Ras homologous (Rho) protein [...]
What are focal adhesions?
What are focal adhesions? Focal adhesions are integrin-containing, multi-protein [...]
Are focal adhesions dynamic?
Are focal adhesion dynamic? In migrating cells, turnover of [...]
Are focal adhesions dynamic?
Are focal adhesion dynamic? In migrating cells, turnover of [...]
How are focal adhesion dynamics regulated?
How are focal adhesion dynamics regulated? The highly dynamic [...]
How are proteins sequentially recruited to focal adhesion sites?
How are proteins recruited to focal adhesion sites? The [...]
How do focal adhesions disassemble?
How do focal adhesions disassemble? Disassembly is critical during [...]
How do focal adhesions mature?
How do focal adhesions mature? Adhesions that manage to [...]
What are mature focal adhesions composed of?
What are mature focal adhesions composed of? Mature FAs [...]
What is the first step in focal adhesion assembly?
What is the first step in focal adhesion assembly? [...]
What is the role of integrin clustering in focal adhesion assembly?
What is the role of integrin clustering in focal [...]
What is the role of Rho GTPases in the regulation of focal adhesion assembly?
What is the role of Rho GTPases in the [...]
How do nascent adhesions grow into mature focal adhesions?
How do nascent adhesions grow into mature focal adhesions? [...]
What steps are involved in the formation of focal adhesions?
What steps are involved in the formation of focal [...]
What are actin filaments?
What are actin filaments? Actin filaments (F-actin) are linear [...]
What is the cytoskeleton?
What is the Cytoskeleton? The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is a [...]
Arikta and Yuting shared their research as speakers at the MBI Conference 2023
Congratulations to Arikta and Yuting for being selected as speakers and sharing their latest research on ovarian folliculogenesis in MBI Conference 2023: Mechanobiology in Health and Disease. Thanks to various feedback following the talks!
Seeking Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Anne Beghin’s Group at MBI, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to Dr. Anne Beghin's lab.
Seeking Postdoctoral Fellow in the Young Laboratory at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute, NUS seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young's lab.
Know You Foe, Work Safely: MBI Safety Day and Safety & Health Management Awards
Through useful talks, fun games and good food, MBI learnt about the dangers in the lab/workplace, and celebrated the good work MBI has done in securing a safe and healthy work environment for all
MBI Conference 2023: Mechanobiology in Health and Disease
MBI's biggest in-person conference and event-of-the-year saw the convergence more than 250 enthusiastic researchers from 21 countries and their exciting discoveries from years of research in mechanobiology
Faculty Recruitment 2023/24
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) invites applications from outstanding candidates for faculty positions at all levels.
Seeking Research Fellow in the Theory Collaborator team at MBI, NUS
We seek to recruit a Research Fellow in the Theory Collaborator at the Mechanobiology Institute, NUS.
Congratulations to Jashan and Jessica for their awards at the NUS 3MT Competition!
Ph.D. students Jashan and Jessica represented MBI and presented their research theses in 3 short minutes, their compact but impactful presentations earning them the top awards at this year's NUS 3MT Competition.
Soumya Bunk
PhD Student, Department of Biological Sciences
Seeking Graduate Program Administrator at MBI, NUS
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore (NUS), seeks to recruit an administrator for its Graduate Program.
Kyna Lim Yu En
Research Assistant, Kanchanawong Group
Chong Si Hui
Research Assistant, Li Group
Yan Ying Chan
Research Associate, Beghin Group
Vinod S/O Prabhakaran
PhD Student, Class of August 2023, Toyama Group
T Thivakar
PhD Student, Class of August 2023, Low Group
Malhar Sojwal Chitnis
PhD Student, Class of August 2023, Holle Group
Kosei Tomida
PhD Student, Class of August 2023, Chan Group
MBI Welcomes New Ph.D. Students for The Class of August 2023
MBI greets the latest batch of Ph.D. students in the Graduate Programme in Mechanobiology, here to hone their crafts through a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to become full-fledged mechanobiologists.
MBI Opens Its Doors for The 2023 MUST Programme
A dozen students joined the MBI Undergraduate Summer Training Programme, a 2-month internship developing theoretical understanding, practical techniques and presentation skills in mechanobiology.
An Afternoon Visit to MBI by JC Students across Singapore
MBI hosted 19 students from various Junior Colleges across Singapore, taking them on an enthralling educational journey that ventures into the crossovers of biology, physics and engineering.
Lee Chin Hao
FYP Student, Chan Group
Titouan Etienne Poquillon
Research Associate, Beghin Group
Academic exchange at the Academia Sinica and National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan
Joe was invited to speak at the Institute of Physics (Academia Sinica) and the International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration (NCKU). Great feedback on our ongoing work with exciting potential for future collaborations. Hope to be back soon!
Ong Huan Ting
Research Fellow, Young Group
Joe invited to speak at various conferences and universities in Apr and May
Joe was recently invited to speak at British Society for Cell Biology Annual Conference (UK), Hubrecht Institute (Netherlands), Paris Cite ́University (France), Collège de France (France), Reproductive Ageing Conference (USA) and MBI-Weizmann Institute joint symposium (Israel). It was also great catching up with old friends, mentors and collaborators!
Wu Yue
Research Fellow, Yu Group
MBI Director Rong Li elected as ASCB Fellow
Congratulations to MBI Director Prof. Rong Li on her election as a Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology.
Kevin Nicholas
Research Associate, Grenci Group
Anna has been awarded the prestigious Walter-Benjamin Fellowship!
Our postdoc Anna Jaeschke has been awarded the prestigious Walter-Benjamin Fellowship from DFG (German Research Foundation) for her research investigating the role of tissue microenvironment in ovarian ageing and infertility. Congratulations to Anna!
Khadijah Binte Zulkifli
Research Assistant, Low Group
Bridging the (BP)GAP in metastasis
A collaborative study between researchers at MBI and scientists locally and overseas discovered how a scaffolding protein synchronizes, in space and time, two important regulatory proteins driving cell migration Learn more
Hemang Raj Singh
Research Assistant, Zhu Group
Seeking Research Assistant in High-throughput Molecular Genetics Facility at MBI, NUS
The MBI High-throughput Molecular Genetics Facility seeks to recruit a Research Assistant.
Celebrating new award and additions to the Chan Lab
Celebration on the award of MOE Tier 2 grant! Also a warm welcome to our new RA Apoorva and postdoc Yuting, and visitor scientists Matt and Ali from the BRITElab at UWA. Looking forward to exciting collaboration on probing ovarian mechanics using optical elastography!
The Crown JeWell of organoid imaging
An interdisciplinary team from MBI combined imaging, microfabrication, and biology to develop JeWells - an innovative platform for growing and imaging organoids in 3D. Learn more
Zero-G Wells: Taking Mechanobiology into Space
An MBI team flew on a parabolic flight with their innovative cell culture wells to test the effects of zero gravity on miniature human organs
Muhammad Asri Bin Abdul Sisak
Research Fellow, Young Group
Joe shares about his exciting scientific journey in JCB People & Ideas
Joe shares about his exciting scientific journey in this interview article entitled The positives of being under "pressure" in JCB People & Ideas (read here).
Apoorva Shivankar
Research Assistant, Chan Group
Ryosuke Nishimura
Research Fellow, Kanchanawong Group
End-of-year Christmas Dinner with Chan Lab and Hiraiwa Lab
Chan Lab had a lovely end-of-year Xmas dinner jointly with the lab of Tetsuya Hiraiwa. Looking forward to exciting science and collaboration in the year to come!
Our latest review on the mechanobiology of mammalian folliculogenesis is out!
Great effort from the lab who contributed to this article, where we hope to provide fresh perspectives in this thriving field.
Joe presents the lab’s latest work at Stem Cell Society Singapore’s Annual Meeting
Great fun to learn and network with the stem cell community in Singapore!
Sukhada Darpe
Intern, Chan Group
Chan Lab shares latest work on ovarian macrophages at the CBT Conference
Our talented postdoc, Anna Jaeschke, presenting her work on ovarian macrophages at the CBT Conference at QUT, Brisbane.
Xiao Jingwei
Research Assistant, Low Group
Sujana Andra
Research Assistant, Li Group
Ranmadusha Merengha Hengst
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Young Group
Li Keming
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Li Group
Kayo Kumadaki
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Yan Jie Group
Lan Xi
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Li Group
Li Hangfeng
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Kanchanawong Group
Lin Yueying
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Yan Jie Group
Srinivas Sheshagiri Prabhu
PhD student, Class of August 2022, Low Group, Bershadsky Group
Lim Yuan Bin
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Toyama Group, Holle Group
Shinny Sunny
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Holle Group
Ankita Nitin Nayak
PhD Student, Class of August 2022, Hirashima Group
Esra Karatas
Research Fellow, Beghin Group
Jyothsna Vasudevan
Research Fellow, Pavesi Group
Liu Shiying
Research Fellow, Kanchanawong Group
Sound Wai Phow @ Lin Wei Hao
Research Assistant, Hirashima Group
Ng Wenfa
Research Assistant, Lim Group
Jiang Yanqige
Research Assistant, Yan Jie Group
Song Xin Jie Steph
Research Assistant, Li Group
Chan Lab shares latest work on ovarian mechanobiology at SCBS Launch
Our talented PhD student, Boon Heng, giving great poster presentation to a gathering crowd at the Society for Cell Biology Singapore (SCBS) Launch.
Chan Lab at ACRLE Conference 2022
Congrats to Vinod, who shared the latest work on macrophage-ECM interaction during ovarian ageing.
Building a mechanobiological signaling scaffold for the heart
A collaboration between MBI scientists and clinical researchers revealed how a scaffolding protein integrates biochemical and mechanical signals to control cardiac muscle cell differentiation. Learn more
Guiding random events to create resilient patterns
A study from the Saunders lab uncovers how random cell fusion events during muscle development are regulated at the tissue level to ensure correct patterning of the muscle architecture. Learn more
MBI welcomes August 2022 Ph.D. Students
MBI receives 11 new Ph.D. students for the MBI Programme in Mechanobiology, a rigorous four-year graduate programme focused on mechanobiology, biophysics and bioengineering.
Farewell to Hugo Raveton
It’s been a great privilege to have Hugo Raveton with us from Jan - July 2022. All the best to your future endeavour!
MBI welcomes new PI Tsuyoshi Hirashima
MBI is pleased to receive Dr. Tsuyoshi Hirashima as a new Principal Investigator, with a joint-appointment as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology, NUS School of Medicine.
Chan Lab dinner and welcoming interns!
Finally, the lab dinner that is long overdue :) And a warm welcome to the summer interns!
MBI welcomes MUST 2022 Interns
MBI hosts 12 new interns for the MBI Undergraduate Summer Training (MUST) Programme, a 2-month internship exploring mechanobiology.
Latest publication on tissue hydraulics in reproduction is out!
Joe and Tsuyoshi Hirashima (incoming PI) reviewed recent advances in our understanding on how fluid dynamics shape mammalian oogenesis and spermatogenesis.
Talk at EMBO/EMBL Symposium on Mechanobiology in development and disease
Joe shares the latest finding on theca cell mechanosensing and their function in controlling follicle growth at the 2022 EMBO/EMBL symposium on mechanobiology in development and disease.
Modhura Ganguly
PhD Student, Class of January 2022, Toyama Group
Martin Kiwanuka
PhD Student, Class of January 2022, Young Group
A Nervous Contraction
A collaborative study from the Saunders Lab and the Martin-Blanco Lab at the Molecular Biology Institute Barcelona, Spain, demonstrates how the contraction of a Drosophila's ventral nerve cord during development is oscillatory and driven by the combined contractile efforts of individual cells. Learn more
MBI welcomes NUS High School for a Learning Journey into Mechanobiology
MBI opened its doors to the students of NUS High School of Mathematics and Science for a half-day visit around the institute.
Stefan Mueller
Research Fellow, Li Group
Hepi Hari Susapto
Research Fellow, Young Group
Choosing Sides
The Scientist magazine features the work of Prof Alexander Bershadsky and Senior Research Fellow Dr Yee Han Tee in their February 2022 TS:Digest cover story on cell chirality
Finding order through repulsion
A collaborative study from the Saunders Lab and the Telley Lab at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Portugal, demonstrates how mechanical repulsive forces lead to precise arrangement of nuclei during development Learn more
Cui Hongyue
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Li Group
Understanding the effects of aneuploidy
A review from Prof Rong Li and Dr. Jin Zhu outlines the the causes of aneuploidy and how it can affect cell behaviour and function. Learn more
Hugo Raveton
Intern, Chan Group
Kwang Leng Gek
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Yu Group
Lee Jia Wen Nicole
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Holle Group
Guo Yanyu
Research Fellow, Class of August 2021, Yan Jie Group
Invited talks at ASCB/EMBO Meeting and Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) Annual Meeting
Joe shares the latest work from the lab on follicle mechano-hydraulics. Great sessions with plenty of feedback. Thanks to the organisers for the kind invitations!
Shu Chang
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Li Group
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Arikta Biswas
Research Fellow, Chan Group
Xu Mengqing
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Kanchanawong Group
Ng Boon Heng
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Chan Group
Huang Zengxin
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Kanchanawong Group
Kuo Xuan
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Kanchanawong Group, Zhao Group
Li Yixuan
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Holle Group
Chen Dixiao
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Young Group
Chin Lingzi
Research Assistant, Huang Group
Huang Yameng
Research Fellow, Low Group
Ang Jing Wen
Research Fellow, Class of August 2021, Low Group
Zuyang Aaron Fong
Research Assistant, Low Group
Nur Faezah Begum Binte Akbar Hussain
Research Assistant, Hanry Yu Group
The Chan lab is getting more culturally diverse!
The Chan lab welcomes research fellows Anna Jaeschke from Germany and Arikta Biswas from India! Anna will be applying her expertise on matrix biology and bioengineering to understand ovarian ageing, while Arikta will develop new imaging and biophysical approaches to study how mechanical stress impacts follicle morphogenesis and oocyte functions.
Nicole Loh Kit Ying
Alumni, Chan Group
Keeping a steady beat
AlumnNUS magazine interviews Prof Li and Prof Roger Foo from NUS Medicine about their ongoing collaboration that bridges basic science and clinical practice to understand the ageing heart.
Anna Jaeschke
Research Fellow, Chan Group
Probing follicle mechanical environment using light!
Our late work Mechanical mapping of mammalian follicle development using Brillouin microscopy is out in Communications Biology! Great collaboration with the Prevedel lab at EMBL Heidelberg.
Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent Award ceremony (Sep 27 2021)
The Chan lab is grateful to the START Inaugural Grant for supporting our research on understanding ovarian development, ageing and diseases in the coming years!
Celestine Ze Qing Ho
Research Assistant, Low Group
Cheam Mei Shan
Research Assistant, Toyama Group
Wang Yilin
Research Fellow, Kanchanawong Group
Marion Florence Marchand
Research Fellow, Viasnoff Group
Invited talk in the RIMS workshop on Biofluid Mechanics of Reproduction (Kyoto, July 2021)
Joe shares the latest work on ovarian hydraulics with expert scientists from Japan. Plenty of feedback and interactions! Looking forward to future collaborations in this exciting field!
Avery Rui Sun
PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering Dept, Young Group
Vinod S/O Prabhakaran
Research Assistant, Young Group, Chan Group
MBI welcomes August 2021 intake of new graduate students
MBI is thrilled to welcome the latest intake of 13 incoming graduate students this August. Their induction marks the 1st batch of graduate students that MBI is accepting in the 2021/2022 academic year.
Lu Jung Hsuan
Research Assistant, Yan Jie Group
Lim Yong Ann Ben
Research Assistant, Han Group
Jennifer Marlena
Research Assistant, Young Group
Seah Kwi Shan
Research Fellow, Li Group
Ng Pei Ying
Research Fellow, Holle Group
Welcome aboard, Boon Heng!
The Chan Lab welcomes Boon Heng, the first PhD student to the lab. Looking forward to exciting times ahead!
Farewell to Nicole, our first summer intern in the Lab!
Congrats to Nicole for winning the best video presentation in the MBI MUST program. We are lucky to have you! Thank you for bringing so much energy and joy to the lab. Hope to see you soon!
2021 Cell & Tissue Hydraulics: Virtual interactive symposium
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN. The Cell & Tissue Hydraulics Mini-Symposium will present three days of pre-recorded lectures, live talks from invited speakers and pre-recorded short talks and poster presentations.
Spotlight on MBI Prof Low Boon Chuan: Unravelling the chemistry of life
A recent NUS News article features Assoc Prof Low, who leads a dynamic team at MBI focusing on how cells signal – the way they communicate with one another and within themselves.
2021 Bootcamp on Mechanobiology
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
The group is growing!
Warm welcome to the first members of Mammalian Development & Tissue Hydraulics Lab! Fantastic team that helps to build the lab despite the challenges during the pandemic… Kudos to all and looking forward to exciting times ahead!
Mechano-osmotic forces shape organoid morphogenesis
Super happy to contribute to this exciting work on the role of lumen/tissue mechanics in organoid development. Beautiful collaboration between biologists and physicists. Also nice views by C. Nelson.
Zihao Wu
Alumni, Chan Group
MBI PIs win MOE AcRF Tier 3 grant to study endomembrane aging
A research team led by Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) Principal Investigators Assoc. Prof. Tony Kanchanawong and Prof. Rong Li was recently awarded a Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund (MOE AcRF) Tier 3 grant.
Preventing mistakes in chromosomal segregation
A recent study from the Li Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore and Johns Hopkins University, USA has revealed new aspects on the involvement of p53 protein in preventing mistakes in chromosomal segregation. Learn more
Jin Zhu
Senior Research Fellow, Facility Manager
Wan Jun Gan
Research Fellow, Chan Group
Meng Yue
Research Assistant, Class of January 2021, Kanchanawong Group
Pan Yuping
Research Assistant, Class of January 2021, Toyama Group
Jashan Preet Singh
PhD Student, Class of January 2021, Young Group
Seah Sock Hong
Research Fellow, Class of January 2021, Low Group
Shen Xingyu
PhD Student, Class of January 2021, Li Group, Young Group
Sun Yuze
PhD Student, Class of January 2021, Yan Jie Group
The rise of spectro-microscopes
A recent study from the Grenci Lab at the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore has described a new, highly-sensitive IR spectroscopy technique that overcomes the limitations of existing techniques by utilizing optical components that are commonly used in existing visible light imaging techniques. Learn more
MBI welcomes new 2021 graduate students
The research community at MBI is delighted to welcome these new students in January 2021, when they will be starting their lab rotations, and planting the seeds for many exciting collaborative interdisciplinary research projects during their PhD.
Alokendra Ghosh
Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow, Li Group
Tan Zi Yi Rachel
Graduate Student, Low Group
Shadame Yeo Shuet Ting
Research Apprentice, Low Group
Arulchelvan SO Vijayakumar
Research Assistant, Kanchanawong Group
Clarissa Bernice Quah
Alumni, Yu Group
Wang Haiyang
Senior Research Fellow, Li Group
The mechanical editor
A recent study led by Dr. Shaobo Zhang and MBI Principal Investigator Associate Professor Timothy Saunders describes how periodic filopodial retraction caused by the contractile activity of transient Myosin II clusters at the cell leading edge ensures precise matching between primitive heart cells during heart development in Drosophila embryos. Learn more
A molecular brake
Recent study led by MBI Research Fellows Pan Meng and Ti Weng Chew and Principal Investigator Associate Professor Low Boon Chuan has revealed a role for BNIP-2 protein in scaffolding GEF-H1 and RhoA, following microtubule disassembly, and has described how this scaffolding is important for RhoA-dependent regulation of cell migration. Learn more
MBI is seeking applications from outstanding candidates for faculty positions
MBI is seeking candidates with a commitment to both independent and collaborative interdisciplinary research for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at all levels.
MBI welcomes new Principal Investigator, Chii Jou Chan
MBI would like to welcome Chii Jou (Joe) Chan as a new Principal Investigator starting in January 2021, with a joint appointment as Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Science, NUS.
Building new research partnerships: MBI welcomes Michael Leverentz
At MBI, Mike will take on the role of Research Resource Strategist in the Director’s Team.
Muhammad Faris Hazwan Bin Ramli
PhD Student, Class of August 2021, Young Group
Guo Su
Research Fellow, Viasnoff Group
Julien Aureille
Research Fellow, Bershadsky Group
Random control of biological signalling
A collaboration between scientists from MBI and the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria has revealed how Rab proteins act as molecular switches inside the cell to regulate signalling during intracellular trafficking. Learn more
Roshni Gupta
Research Assistant, Li Group
Lou Yuting
Research Fellow, Chan Group
Wong Bin Sheng
Research Fellow, Li Group
Wong Liting
Research Assistant, Lim Group
MBI PI Timothy Saunders selected as EMBO Global Investigator
Asst. Prof. Timothy Saunders, MBI Principal Investigator and Department of Biological Sciences, NUS has been selected to join the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) Global Investigator Network.
How fish get their shape
By investigating how chevron patterns form in embryonic fish muscle, a team from the Saunders Lab has revealed how physical forces are essential for correct formation of complex organ shapes. Learn more
International Conference on Genomes and AI: Post-event report
This 3-day event created a common platform for scientists, industry experts, and students to share ideas and innovations, and to facilitate fruitful discussions on how AI-based tools could be used to spur research in biological sciences.
Hilary Lappin-Scott visiting from Cardiff
Prof. Hilary Lappin-Scottvisiting MBI on 27th November, 2019, for an afternoon of talks, discussion and networking opportunities.
Actin Cytoskeleton-Based Mechanisms of Establishing Left-Right Asymmetry in Biological Systems
This mini symposium will explore exciting new findings in the study of actin cytoskeleton and its responsibility in establishing left-right asymmetry. Admission is free for all interested.
Wu Hongyi
Research Fellow, Li Group
Rachna Narayanan
Alumni, Saunders Group
Shen Yi Ying Narelle Nicola
Alumni, Research Assistant, Yu Group
Lim Hoe King
Alumni, Yu Group
Hew Choy Leong receives Alumni Award for Academic Achievement
Emeritus Professor Hew Choy Leong, Senior Advisor to MBI, is honoured with an Outstanding Alumni Award for Academic Achievement.
When spacing matters
Dr Rishita Changede of the Sheetz Lab is exploring how the spacing between matrix protein fibers affect clustering of the cell surface receptors integrins and how this influences the formation of integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesions and subsequent cell spreading. Learn more
Takumi Kawaue
Visiting Research Fellow, Toyama Group
Thamarailingam Athilingam
Research Fellow, Saunders Group
Rakesh Das
Research Fellow, Hiraiwa Group, Prost Group
Florian Dilasser
Research Fellow, Viasnoff Group
MBI’s International Conference on Genomes and AI: From Packing to Regulation, October 2-4
MBI's upcoming conference will bring together leading international experts, early-career scientists and students at the intersection of genome biology and machine learning to spur new collaborations across disciplinary boundaries. This is critical for uncovering the mechanogenomic codes that link genome architecture, regulation and function, and ultimately for the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. The International Conference on Genomes and AI: From Packing to Regulation will cover the following three major themes: 1) Single-cell 1D and 3D Genomics: Experiments and Modeling, 2) Networks: From Expression to Regulatory Modules, and 3) Genome Architecture: Regulation and Biomarkers
MBI welcomes its incoming class of 2019
Congratulations to our incoming students! We're proud to introduce (l to r): Liang Lanfeng, Yan Wu, Kashish Jain, Ignacius Tay Yan Yun, Hu Jinrong, Liu Jingzhun, Leong Kim Whye and Deepika Singh, the newest additions to the MBI community.
Molecular controllers of stem cell mechanics
Recent study led by MBI graduate student Shumin Xia and Principal Investigator Associate Professor Pakorn Tony Kanchanawong use super resolution imaging techniques to study the nanoscale organization of the cortical actin cytoskeleton in mouse embryonic stem cells and understand the role of molecules such as Arp2/3, formins, and capping protein in coordinating cortical architecture in mESCs.
Wu Yan
PhD Student, Class of August 2019, Low Group
Ignacius Tay Yan Yun
PhD Student, Class of August 2019, Toyama Group
Deepika Singh
PhD Student, Class of August 2019, Viasnoff Group
Liu Jingzhun
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Group
Liang Lanfeng
Research Fellow, Class of August 2019, Lim Group
Leong Kim Whye
Research Fellow, Class of August 2019, Chan Group
Kashish Jain
PhD Student, Class of August 2019, Kanchanawong Group, Sheetz Group
Hu Jinrong
Research Assistant, PhD Student, Class of August 2019, Li Group, Bershadsky Group
Pulling biomolecular complexes
MBI scientists demonstrate how the phenomenon of force-induced stabilization of biomolecular complexes can be explained on a one-dimensional energy landscape by incorporating defined transition coordinates.
Huang Cheng Kuang
Research Fellow, Lim Group
More twists to the tale: Varied actin patterns in epithelial cells
A recent study led by MBI graduate student Salma Jalal and Senior Research Fellow Tee Yee Han reveals differences in actin organization patterns observed in fibroblasts and epithelial cell subtypes.
Appreciation evening for MBI’s Founding Director
On Friday 28 June 2019, MBI held an appreciation dinner for Prof. Michael Sheetz to mark his time as Director of MBI. Prof. Sheetz has been MBI Director since its inception, having been recruited by Prof. Hew Choy Leong to lead a new RCE in Mechanobiology in 2008.
Cell polarity: Aurora over the pole
A recent study led by the Motegi Lab has identified the master switch that triggers the symmetry breaking process in the zygotes of the nematode worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. Learn more
MBI Director honoured with ASCB Senior Leadership Award
MBI Director Prof. Li Rong has been awarded the 2019 Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award from the American Society of Cell Biology (ASCB). This award recognizes cell biology researchers whose “outstanding scientific achievements are coupled with a record of active leadership in mentoring both men and women in scientific careers.”
2019 Bootcamp in Mechanobiology: An Integrative Approach to Understand Cell Function
MBI's 10-day "bootcamp" style course covers fundamental concepts and practical approaches in understanding cellular functions. The Bootcamp lectures are open to all interested graduate students and post-docs.
Kedsarin Fong Ngern
Research Fellow, Kanchanawong Group
2019 Frontiers in Mechanobiology
MBI is hosting a one day symposium, Frontiers in Mechanobiology, on July 15th, 2019. The symposium will feature nine speakers and a full schedule of talks of interest to those on the cutting edge of mechanobiology. The event is free and open to all interested, there is no registration required.
Why Salmonella decide to lay low
Studying dormant biofilms in live worm hosts
Prof Jacques Prost visiting from Institut Curie
Jacques Prost, Emeritus Research Director, Institut Curie, Département de Physicochimie du Vivant, visiting 16 Jul - 20 Aug 2019.
MBI Deputy Director becomes the first NUS-based EMBO Associate Member
MBI Deputy Director Professor GV Shivashankar has been elected as an Associate Member of EMBO (the European Molecular Biology Organization) making him the first scientist from NUS, and only the third Singapore-based Scientist, to be elected to the prestigious EMBO membership.
Goh Wei Jia
Alumni, Tee YH Group
Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, has a new director
MBI welcomes Professor Li Rong, as MBI's new director. Professor Li joins us from Johns Hopkins University, where she has been a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at the School of Medicine and the Whiting School of Engineering since 2015. Professor Li is also the director of the Center for Cell Dynamics at the School of Medicine’s Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences.
Swati Sen
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Guy Tran Van Nhieu visiting from Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France
Guy Tran Van Nhieu from the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France is visiting from 6 May - 30 July.
MBI Research Associate Visalatchi Thiagarajan chosen one of Singapore’s top ten techs
MBI Research Associate Visalatchi Thiagarajan has been chosen as one of the top ten laboratory technicians in Singapore, in the inaugural Lab Tech of the Year 2019 awards given out by Asian Scientist Magazine.
Somsubhro Mukherjee
Alumni, Low Group
Dr Hu Xian Edna visiting from University of Oslo
Dr Hu Xian Edna from University of Oslo is visiting from 25 Mar - 23 Apr 2019.
Prof GV Shivashankar featured on Becoming Human, Channel News Asia
MBI Principal Investigator and Deputy Director Professor GV Shivashankar is featured in the Channel News Asia documentary series, Becoming Human: Unnatural Genius to discuss how his lab uses AI and and nuclear mechanogenomic architecture to detect early stage cancer cells.
Myosin motors show their muscle
How cells generate high forces for testing the softness of their environment
Chloe May Simpson
Alumni, Sheetz Lab
Aaron Joseph Farrugia
Senior Research Fellow, Bershadsky Lab
Geetika Sahni
Senior Research Fellow, Viasnoff Group
The guiding hands (and feet)
Focal adhesions in embryonic stem cells
MBI Senior Research Fellow Rishita Changede wins Best Presentation at TOPIM
MBI Senior Research Fellow Rishita Changede wins the Best Presentation award at the TOPIM Winter Conference 2019, for her presentation on the role of integrin nanoclusters as the basis for the formation of cell-matrix adhesions that aid in sensing the mechanical properties, such as rigidity, of the underlying tissue.
Ratna Prasuna Vogirala
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Mechanics shaping the germline
Actomyosin corsets protect the epithelium
Moving with the flow
Environmental sensing through intracellular dynamics determines how cells migrate
MBI welcomes students from Seoul National University
SNU students toured the MBI labs, familiarizing themselves with the methodology and applications of state-of-the art techniques like microfabrication, micropatterning, and superresolution microscopy through demonstrations conducted by MBI researchers.
Probing epithelial mechanics
Tools of the trade
Wu Kaixiang Selwin
Senior Research Fellow, Low Group
Hamizah Cognart
Research Fellow, Low Group
Prit Benny Malgulwar
Research Fellow IFOM, Visiting Research Fellow MBI, Shivashankar Group
Olivier Hamant
Prof Olivier Hamant from INRA will be visiting MBI from 4 Dec 2018 – 3 June 2019.
MBI’s 10th Anniversary Conference Post-Event Report
Mechanobiology Institute’s 10th Anniversary Conference was recently held at the National University of Singapore. Titled ‘Mechanobiology After 10 Years: The Promise of Mechanomedicine’, the four-day conference was an intellectual feast, bringing together pioneering scientists with young researchers and students to engage in fruitful discussions under the increasingly diverse umbrella of mechanobiology.
MBI PI Lim Chwee Teck named one of NUS’ highly cited researchers for 2018
For the fifth year in a row, researchers at NUS have been crowned as some of the most influential in the world. MBI Principal Investigator Lim Chwee Teck is one of those honored in 2018.
Igor Pivkin
Prof Igor V Pivkin of Università Della Svizzera Italiana will be visiting MBI till February 2019.
Veena Venugopal
Research Assistant, Saunders Group
Eugene Seow Qun Zhou
Alumni, Low Group
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MBI Women in Science welcomes Jane Clarke, Professor of Molecular Biophysics and President of Wolfson College
Jane Clarke is a distinguished biophysical chemist recognised internationally for her multidisciplinary work advancing the understanding of protein folding and misfolding. Prof Clarke will be visiting MBI on December 5th, 2018, to give a seminar on her research and career.
Ronen Zaidel-Bar
Prof Ronen Zaidel-Bar of the Tel-Aviv University, Israel will be visiting MBI from 6-12 November, 2018.
The mechanics of cancer growth
How cancer cells spread in response to physical cues from their surroundings
Kyle David Buchan
Alumni, Kenney Group
Anne Beghin
Research Assistant Professor, Facility Manager, Microscopy Core
Signaling in cell fate specifcation
Both when and where matter
MBI 10th Anniversary Celebration: 6-12 NOV 2018
One of five Research Centres of Excellence established by the NRF and MOE, the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, was created 10 years ago. This November MBI will celebrate its 10th with the following events: Women in Science Satellite Meeting on the 6th, MBI's 10th Anniversary Conference from the 7th to 11th, and our Graduate Student Congress from the 11th to the 12th.
Taking pole positions
How polarity proteins localize at opposite poles during symmetry breaking
MBI Roadshow in China
The MBI Roadshow in China will take place in Guangzhou at the South China University of Technology, and in Shenzhen at the Southern University of Science & Technology, from 12 to 15 October, 2018.
Mario Adan Mendieta Serrano
Research Fellow, Saunders Group
Bi Feng
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Corey Bryen Lingam
Alumni, Hanry Yu Group
Zhao Zixuan
PhD Student, Class of August 2018, Yu Group
Zhong Xueying
PhD Student, Class of August 2018, Kanchanawong Group
Xiao Jingwei
PhD Student, Class of August 2018, Low Group
Wang Jiahao
PhD Student, Class of August 2018, Yu Group
Kabigting Jessica Evangeline Tan
Research Fellow, Class of August 2018, Toyama Group
Deng Yunxin
Research Fellow, Class of August 2018, Yan Jie Group
Sunandan Dhar
PhD Student, Class of August 2018, Saunders Group
Vidhyalakshmi Acharya
Research Fellow, Class of August 2018, Beghin Group
Predicting mechanical lifetime
Modelling mechanosense and response
Harini Rajendiran
Research Assistant, Viasnoff Group
Khin Khine Zar Mon
Alumni, Kenney Group
Forcing apart the dual role of formin and profilin
Mechanical and biochemical regulation of actin filament polymerization
Associate Professor Yusuke Toyama appointed as the Dean’s Chair
In recognition of his high impact research program, MBI Principal Investigator Yusuke Toyama has been appointed the Dean’s Chair in the Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore.
Building heart connections
How heart cells find their partners
Jean-Baptiste Sibarita
A/Prof Sibarita of Université de Bordeaux will be visiting from from 6 August, 2018 – 5 August, 2019.
Samuel Fardell Hastings Barnett
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Lai Kuan Han, Jason
Alumni, Saunders Group
Predicting DNA-protein interactions
Fast quantification of DNA-protein interactions under force and torque constraints
MBI Women in Science at the Gender Summit 2018, London
Dr. Vandana Ramachandran (A*STAR; SgWIS) and Dr. Lakshmi Ramachandran (STEM Advocacy Institute; MBI-WIS) will present a talk on ‘ Singapore as host of the next Gender Summit – Asia Pacific, GS-AP 2019’ at the Gender Summit 15 EU 2018 plenary session on 19th June, London.
EMBO Workshop on Nuclear Mechanogenomics: Post-event report
The EMBO Workshop on Nuclear Mechanogenomics was held on April 17-20 at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House, National University of Singapore. The workshop brought together pioneering academics, early career scientists and post-doctoral and graduate scholars to discuss the latest advancements and challenges facing the rapidly emerging field of nuclear mechanogenomics.
Physically rewiring the genome
Researchers turn mature cells into stem cells using mechanical cues alone
Teng Xiang
Research Associate, Toyama Group
Thiagarajan Visalatchi
Research Associate, Bershadsky Group
Interdisciplinary short course for new graduate students: A case study
Interdisciplinary short course for new graduate students: A case study
Professor Lim Chwee Teck and team awarded the Human Frontier Science Program Research Grant
MBInsights Home Science Features News Awards [...]
Determining genomic architecture
Network analysis reveals 3D chromosome organization
Modeling nuclear dynamics
How fluctuations in the cell cortex influence nuclear shape
Prof Benoit Ladoux visiting from Institut Jacques-Monod
Prof Benoit Ladoux will be visiting MBI from 29 June-24 August, 2018.
Liu Shuhan
Intern, Kenney Group
Controlling how bacteria respond to stress
Bacterial self-protection by self-acidification
Paths to Excellence – Celebrating Journeys in Life Science
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Biotech Connection Singapore (BCS) and Singapore Women in Science (SgWIS) jointly present Paths to Excellence – Celebrating Journeys in Life Science, on March 8th, 2018.
Lipid-mediated DNA repair
How phosphoinositides regulate ATR recruitment
Cell arrangements under confined geometries
How epithelial cells arrange in curved environments
A.I. in the fight against cancer
Training machines to recognize cancer cells
A link to bacterial gene silencing
The charged H-NS linker is key to promoting DNA binding
Wang Wei
Research Fellow, Kanchanawong Group
Wang Hsi Chi Samuel
Alumni, Toyama Group
Prabhat Tiwari
Alumni, Saunders Group
Lee Yaelim
Research Fellow, Shivashankar Group, Li Group
Guttula Durgarao
Alumni, Yan Jie Group
Ajay Sanjay Tijore
Alumni, Low Group
Aditya Arora
Research Fellow, Viasnoff Group
Michele Crestani
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Liu Xuan Olivia
Alumni, Low Group
Danai Kati
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Chong Zheng Min Clarence
Alumni, Yan Jie Group
Nuclear Biomarkers
The future of disease diagnosis and therapy?
Professor Linda Kenney elected to the American Academy of Microbiology Fellowship
The MBI proudly congratulates Prof Linda Kenney, Principal Investigator at the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, for being elected to the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM).
ISMB III – 3rd Symposium on Mechanobiology: Post Event Report
The 3rd International Symposium on Mechanobiology (ISMBIII), jointly organized by the Mechanobiology Institute and the International Society of Mechanobiology, was held between 11-14 December at University Town, National University of Singapore.
MBInsights Annual Archive
MBInsights Home Science Features News Awards [...]
MBInsights Annual 2017
MBInsights Home Science Features News Awards [...]
Synchrony of Waves
The collective dynamics of endocytosis
Sensing Force and Torque
Mechanical regulation of actin polymerization by formins
Confined movements
How cells form tubes in confined spaces
2017 National Day Honours: MBI staff member Tan Bee Lay awarded Long Service Medal
Congratulations to MBI’s own Tan Bee Lay for her award of the Long Service Medal by the President of the Republic of Singapore in recognition of her contributions to the University.
Defects in Epithelial Tissue Organization
A question of life and death
Development in Time and Space
Shedding light on the importance of time in embryo development
The (BP)GAP Between Signaling Pathways
To grow or not to grow?
Gender Gaps in Science: BIOS 2017 Panel Discussion on Women in Science
MBI hosted BIOS2017 on Friday, the 15th of September. The scientific talks were followed by an hour-long panel discussion that was aimed at bringing out the various contributing factors towards gender gaps at work place.
BIOS 2017: Post-event report
MBI NUS hosted BIOS2017 on 15th of September. BIOS, a MBI Women in Science initiative, is a unique national-level biology symposium that aims to bring together women researchers in Singapore from diverse realms of life sciences research.
2017 UNESCO Symposium: Cracking the Code: Girls Education in STEM, a report
The symposium explored multi-pronged approaches to tackle gender gaps in STEM education at the individual, family & peers, schools/educational institutions, society and government levels.
Sree Vaishnavi Sundararajan
Alumni, Grenci Group
Mona Suryana
Research Associate, Grenci Group
Jegan Vishnuwardhana Shanmugarajah
Research Assistant, Grenci Group
Breaking cell symmetry
A force driven mechanism for establishing cell polarity
MBI welcomes students from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
On August 16th, a group of 13 students from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China visited the Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore to learn more about scientific research in Singapore.
Yuan Luezhen
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Dasvit Shetty
PhD Student, Class of August 2017, Yan Jie Group, Kenney Group
Toh Jia Ying Pearlyn
PhD Student, Class of August 2017, Saunders Group
Tricia Loo Yi Jun
PhD Student, Class of August 2017, Saunders Group
MBI welcomes our incoming class of August 2017
In August, 2017, MBI welcomes our latest incoming class of doctoral students, ten highly qualified candidates from schools both here in Singapore and abroad
Xu Yumeng
Alumni Class of August 2017, Yu Group
Paramasivam Kathirvel
Facility Manager, Shivashankar Group
Xu Xiaochun
Alumni, Margadant Group
Moirangthem Kiran Singh
Research Fellow, Alumni Kenney Group
MBI hosts Physics Colloquium for Olympiad students
As part of the Physics Colloquium for Olympiad Students program, MBI hosted a group of high school students from different schools across Singapore to learn more about interdisciplinary sciences such as Mechanobiology and to get better insights into the application of physical principles in order to answer complex biological questions.
HER2 can HEAR2
HER2 activates mechanosensing on rigid matrices
Too Deep To Divide!
Molecular response to depth sensing differs in cancer cells
Women in Science Special Segment Explores Gender Equality in STEM
As part of the recently held 2017 Joint Symposium on Bioimaging between Singapore and Japan, a Women in Science segment was organized to explore gender equality issues in STEM.
Small Steps to Big Changes: Towards Gender Equality in Science
MBI Science Communications editor Laskhmi Ramachandran represented the MBI Women in Science Initiative at 2017's Gender Summit 10.
Vaishali Yadav
PhD Student, Class of August 2016, Saunders Group
Jiang Kuan
PhD Student, Class of August 2016, CT Lim Group
Fu Chaoyu
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Group
Saradha Venkatachalapathy
PhD Student, Class of August 2016, Shivashankar Group
Aninda Mitra
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Yow Ying Ming Ivan
Schimdt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow, Low Group
Saw Thuan Beng
Alumni, Research Assoicate, Lim Group, Ladoux Group
Le Anh Phuong
Alumni, Research Assistant, Toyama Group
Sivakumar s/o Maniam
Alumni, Research Associate, Grenci Group
So-SPIM-FCS
A novel tool for imaging nuclear protein dynamics
Signaling in 3D
MBI Scientists reveal a spatial dimension to cell signaling
From the Bottom Up
Basal protrusions stimulate rosette formation during cell intercalation
B(a)iled Out
Actin remodeling drives bile regurgitation during obstructive cholestasis
Minnah Thomas
Alumni, Toyama Group
Murat Shagirov
Research Fellow (HPC), IT Core
Yusuke Hara
Alumni, Toyama Group
Lim Kok Hwee Isaac
Research Assistant, Toyama Group
Sun Zijun
Alumni, Toyama Group
A Molecular Rivet
A molecular rivet for long-range force transmission
Artem Yefremov
Alumni, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Yan Jie Lab
Ranjit S Gulvady
Alumni, Yan Jie Group
Ladislav Hovan
Alumni, Yan Jie Group, Sudol Group
Guo Shiwen
Alumni, PhD Student, Class of August 2015, Yan Jie Group
Le Shimin
Dept of Physics, Yan Jie Group
Yu Miao
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Group
Zhao Xiao Dan
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Alumni
Liu Meihan
Alumni, Yan Jie Group
Yang Kaiyuan
Alumni, Yan Jie Group
Zhou Yu
Research Fellow, Yan Jie Group
Chen Jin
Alumni, Yan Jie Group
Lu Chen
Alumni, Former PhD Student, Yan Jie Group
Yang Yang
Alumni, Wu Min Group
Pang Si Ming
Student, Class of August 2015, Yan Jie Group
Andrea Ravasio
Senior Research Fellow, Viasnoff Group
Dhermendra Kumar Tiwari
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Megan Louise Finch-Edmondson
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Richard De Mets
Research Fellow, Kanchanawong Group, Deputy Facility Manager Microscopy Core
Myint Zu Myaing
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Gao Xumei
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Celine Marie Helene Stoecklin
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Zhang Yue
Alumni, Former PhD Student, Viasnoff Group
Tang Qingnan
Dept of Physics, Yan Jie Group
Zhong Jun
PhD Student, Class of August 2017, Matsudaira Group
Zheng Jiyun
Alumni, Matsudaira Group
Cristina Bertocchi
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Zhang Zhen
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Sharvari Rajeev Sathe
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Low Siok Lan Christine
Research Associate, Kanchanawong Group
Guo Zhenhuan
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Huang Shuangru
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Azita Gorji
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Xia Shumin
Alumni, Kanchanawong Group
Dong Xiaoduo
PhD Student, Cynthia He Group
Wong Chen Pei Darren
Senior Research Fellow, Low Group
Lin Bocheng Lester
Alumni, Low Group
Er Shi Yin
Alumni, Low Group
Chew Ti Weng
Alumni, Low Group
Stuti K Desai
Alumni, Kenney Group
Liu Xuyao Iris
Research Assistant (Physics), Class of August 2015, Toyama, Sheetz, and Yan Jie Groups
Xu Lisheng
PhD Student, Class of August 2016, Toyama Group, Kenney Group
Yuki Yamanaka
Alumni, Kenney Group
Parisa Zangoui Nejad Chahkootahi
Alumni, Kenney Group
Liew Tze Fui Andrew
Alumni, Kenney Group
Mrinal Dinesh Shah
Alumni, Kenney Group
Foo Yong Hwee
Alumni, Kenney Group
Nai Mui Hoon Brenda
Alumni, Research Associate, Lim Group
Supatra Tharinee Marsh
Alumni, Lim Group
Sarvesh Abhay Sukhatme
Alumni, Lim Group
Shreyansh Jain
Alumni, Lim Group, Ladoux Group
Parthiv Kant Chaudhuri
MBI Alumni, Lim Group
Zhang Songjing
Alumni, Koh Group
Weng Ting
Research Associate, Koh Group
Kapish Gupta
Alumni, Yu Group
Ng Chan Way
Alumni, Yu Group
Zhou Yan
Alumni, Yu Group
Ma Yukun
Alumni, Yu Group
Pan Meng
Alumni, Low Group
Chen Tianchi
Alumni, Ladoux Group
Hayri Emrah Balcioglu
Alumni, Ladoux Group
Bryant Lee Doss
Alumni, Ladoux Group
Anand Pratap Singh
Alumni, Saunders Group, now a post-doctoral researcher at Princeton University, USA
Christopher Preveen Amourda
Alumni, Saunders Group
Sham Leilah Tlili
Alumni, Saunders Group
Chong Wen Hui Jeronica
Alumni, Saunders Group
Kerh Yun Yi
Alumni, Saunders Group
Huang Anqi
Alumni, Saunders Group
Yin Jianmin
Alumni, Saunders Lab
Zhang Shaobo
Alumni, Saunders Lab
Naila Alieva
Alumni, Bershadsky Group
Tee Yee Han
MBI Fellow, Bershadsky Group
Hu Shiqiong
Alumni, Bershadsky Group
Nisha bte Mohd Rafiq
Alumni, Bershadsky Group
Salma Jalal
Alumni, Margadant Group
Shi Shidong
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Yukako Nishimura
Alumni, Viasnoff Group
Gianluca Grenci
Research Assistant Professor, Facility Manager
Kabir H Biswas
Alumni, Sheetz Group, Groves Group
Rishita Changede
Alumni, Sheetz Group
Felix Margadant
Alumni, Sheetz Group
Anushya Hariharan
Alumni, Research Associate, Low Group
Yang Bo Beverly
Alumni, Sheetz Group
Wang Yu Hsiu Eric
Alumni, Sheetz Group
Oh Dongmyung
Alumni, Low Group
Yao Mingxi
Alumni, Low Group
Yang Yian
Alumni, Sheetz Group
Alok Kumar Dubey
Alumni, PhD Student, Class of August 2015 Toyama and Sheetz Group
Karthik Damodaran
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Jean-Francois Rupprecht
Alumni, Shivashankar Group, Prost Group
Aradhana Bharti
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Bibhas Roy
Research Fellow IFOM, Visiting Research Fellow MBI, Shivashankar Group
Mallika Nagarajan
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Jokhun Doorgesh Sharma
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Wang Yejun
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
Shang Yuqing
Alumni, Shivashankar Group
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Microscopic Muscles
How non-muscle cells find the strength to move
Illuminating the Contacts
Using superresolution imagining to map adherens junction machinery
Assoc Prof Evelyn Yim visiting from the University of Waterloo
Assoc Prof Evelyn Yim is visiting from the Chemical Engineering Department from the University of Waterloo, 18-28 February, 2017
MBI PI Lim Chwee Teck honoured with appointment to AIMBE
Prof Lim elected to American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows
Letting Go
How dying cells detach from their neighbors
Cellular Podiatry
Understanding how cells form feet
Shinjini Ray
PhD Student, Class of August 2016, Toyama Group, Zaidel-Bar Group
MBInsights Annual 2016
MBInsights Home Science Features News Awards [...]
Stability Without Junctions
Cadherin prevents cortical deformation
Yunfeng Gao
Alumni, Research Associate, Yan Jie Group
Structural Analysis of SPI-2 needles
Using cryoelectron microscopy to perform structural analysis of the macromolecular complex of the SPI-2 secretory apparatus
Super-Resolution Microscopy of EnvZ, OmpR, H-NS, and Chromosomal Imaging
Examining OmpR/DNA interactions using PALM
Silencing and Anti-Silencing in Salmonella Pathogenesis
Characterizing the binding properties of the H-NS homologue StpA
Prof Masahiro Sokabe visiting from Nagoya University
Prof Masahiro Sokabe visiting from Nagoya University, 1-11 December, 2016
Porin Gene Transcription in Single Cells
Transcription of GFP enables us to see how expression levels change in response to osmolality
The Mechanism of Osmosensing by EnvZ and other HKs
Mapping conformational changes in EnvZ associated with osmotic stress
Molecular Mechanisms of Mechanotransduction
Molecular machines sense and transduce mechanical force
Kriti Sethi
Research Fellow, Li Group
Persistent a-Catenin Activation
Switching behavior of a-Catenin at E-cadherin adhesions
Cell Extrusion Mechanisms
Making sure to expel an unwanted cell
A Moving Story of FHL2
How FHL2 translocates to the nucleus under low tension
2016 MBI-BPS Thematic Meeting on the Mechanobiology of Disease
Recent meeting brings together scientists to discuss research on the physical basis of disease
Elongation by Contraction
Pulling forces drive changes in cell shape
Decisions in a Pinch
Receptor Tyrosince Kinases control mechanosensors
A Cellular Shock Absorber
How talin structure makes it an ideal force buffer
Agarwal Priti
Alumni, Zaidel-Bar Group
Multicolor Super Resolution Imaging
A method to monitor dynamic protein binding at subsecond timescales
Shaping Lumens by Force
How extracellular matrix scaffolding guides lumen elongation
A Mechanical Stop Sign
MBI Scientists reveal the effects of ECM topography on the poliferation of normal and cancer cells
Microfluidics for Liquid Biopsies
A tool for point-of-care cancer diagnostics and treatment
Salmonella Lifestyle Choices
A bacterial molecular switch between virulence or dormancy
Shaping Cell Behavior
Clues to how external forces control nuclear activity
Adhesion ABC
Integrin clusters are the universal units of cell adhesion
H-NS Proteins as Gene Silencers
A gene-silencing nucleoprotein filament formed by H-NS family proteins
Regulating Neuron Growth
BNIP-H regulates neurotransmitter Acetylcholine
Dissecting Focal Adhesions
Reverse engineering molecular machines
Regha Kakkad
Alumni, Zaidel-Bar Group
Post-event Report: BIOS 2015, Biological Symposium by MBI WIS
Biological Symposium by the MBI Women in Science Initiative
Active Junction Formation
E-chadherin mobility regulates adhesion formation
The Mending Tissue
Cellular instructions for tissue repair
Fluid on soft, solid on stiff
Large-scale cell sensing of environmental rigidity
soSPIM Developed at MBI
Microfabrication leads to a new microscopy method
Circulating Tumor Cells
Culturing tumor cells to predict treatment outcome
Forces: Acting Far and Wide
How local forces induce distant effects on actin remodeling
Surviving Immune Attack
How does Salmonella thrive in the acidic macrophage?
Lipid Anchors Sustain Life
A role for GPI-anchored proteins in epithelium integrity
Biology in a Twist
Deciphering the origins of cell behavior
International Women’s Day at Hong Lim Park, Singapore
MBI WIS joined the festivities at Hong Lim Park for 2015's All Fired Up! a celebration of International Women’s Day
Professor Elizabeth Harland on Careers in Science
Prof Hartland from the University of Melbourne on pursuing a high level career in the sciences
Why do Cells Stretch?
Cyclic stretching helps soft tissues spread and grow
Modeling Concentration Gradients
Clustering drives formation of subcellular morphogen gradients
Forcing Wounds Closed
A cellular tug-of-war mechanically drives gap closure
Defining Adhesion Clusters
Visualizing the building blocks of cell-cell adhesion
Corinna Lim and Jolene Tan from Singapore’s Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE)
Members of MBI WIS welcomed Corinna Lim and Jolene Tan of AWARE for a brown bag session on women’s issues in science
Epithelial Tube Contraction
A new feedback mechanism for regulating contractility
Mapping the Interactome
Proteomics reveals the E-cadherin interaction network
Theories and Milestones
The field of mechanobiology has grown dramatically in the past decade. With this growth came ground breaking experiments, and findings that challenged the foundations of cell biology.
How Cells Repair Wounds
Collaborative study identifies new mechanism for wound healing
Unraveling a-catenin
α-catenin mediated mechanosensing of cell-cell junctions
Protecting the Genome
ATR responds to mechanical stimuli to protect DNA
Capturing E-cadherin
Dynamics of cortical actin in the recruitment o cadherin at adhesion sites
Rho Puts the Brakes on RAS-Driven Liver Cancer
Clues for targeting Ras-driven liver cancer through RhoA activation
What Makes Cells Move?
Identifying key components of the cellular engine in living cells
Lim Jia Sheng Jason
Alumni, Zaidel-Bar Group
Ding Wei Yung
Alumni, Zaidel-Bar Group
Anup Padmanabhan
Alumni, Zaidel-Bar Group
Gao Yunfeng
Alumni, Research Associate 2009-2020
Principal Investigator
I was trained as a molecular biologist in the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. My project was a collaboration with the Department of Otolaryngology, focusing on characterization of novel allergens from house dust mites. During the study, I noticed that the local sequence and structure of a protein are so important that only a few amino acids changes in an allergen will induce severe allergic responses in patients. After receiving my PhD degree, I joined Dr. Ganesh Anand’s lab in the Department of Biological Sciences, NUS, to study the effect of protein structure and dynamics on its function. Currently, I am working with Prof. Linda Kenney in the Mechanobiology Institute and collaborating with Dr. Ganesh Anand to investigate the mechanism of EnvZ/OmpR mediated osmoregulation of ompC and ompF in E.coli.
Recent Research Interests
Salmonella is a common foodborne infection throughout the world. Two different diseases can be caused by Salmonella: gastroenteritis and life-threatening typhoid fever. In the constant battle between host defense systems and bacteria, Salmonella have acquired foreign genes by horizontal transfer which can increase the fitness of bacteria in changing environmental or growth conditions, e.g. inside the mammalian host cell. However, not all horizontally transferred genes benefit the recipient strain. To protect itself, Salmonella develops multiple defense systems, including the nucleoid-associated protein H-NS, a global transcriptional repressor, which serves as one of the first line of defense against horizontally acquired genes in Salmonella. Our first question is how does H-NS target and shut down its downstream genes?
[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Our team discovered that this unstructured linker region plays an important and surprising role in promoting DNA binding.[/perfectpullquote]
H-NS is present in many species of Enterobacteriaceae, including Salmonella and E. coli. It consists of two highly conserved domains, a N-terminal coiled-coil oligomerization domain and a C-terminal DNA-binding domain. Two distinct domains are connected by a disordered linker. This disordered linker has been overlooked in biology, because the conventional structure–function paradigm requires a fixed, 3D structure for function. We discovered that this unstructured linker region plays an important and surprising role in promoting DNA binding. Removing the linker led to weak DNA binding and relief of gene silencing. Super-resolution imaging revealed that only wildtype H-NS could form dense foci on the nucleoid DNA, but not the linker deletion mutant.
There are five conserved positively charged amino acid residues in the linker of H-NS across species. Given that DNA is negatively charged, we speculated that H-NS could bind to DNA through electrostatic interactions. Indeed, when these charged residues were modified to neutral residues, we observed that H-NS activity was significantly reduced. After carefully screening the amino acid residues in the linker, we discovered that a net charge of +4 or +5 was optimal for DNA binding and gene silencing, additional positive residues above 5 or less than +3 led to impaired H-NS function.
Taking advantage of the open lab concept of MBI, we were able to collaborate with researchers from other research teams with different scientific backgrounds for this project. Therefore, we were able to address the biological questions with different platforms, e.g. molecular genetics, protein-engineering, super-resolution imaging (Dr. Foo Yong Hwee), single molecule approaches and molecular dynamic simulations (Prof. Yan Jie’s group). We will extend this research to further investigate the regulation of Salmonella pathogenicity.
Publications
- Liew ATF, Foo YH, Gao Y, Zangoui P, Singh MK, Gulvady R, and Kenney LJ. Single cell, super-resolution imaging reveals an acid pH-dependent conformational switch in SsrB regulates SPI-2. Elife 2019; 8. [PMID: 31033442]
- Ghosh M, Wang LC, Huber R, Gao Y, Morgan LK, Tulsian NK, Bond P, Kenney LJ, and Anand GS. Engineering an Osmosensor by Pivotal Histidine Positioning within Disordered Helices. Structure 2018;. [PMID: 30503779]
- Gulvady R, Gao Y, Kenney LJ, and Yan J. A single molecule analysis of H-NS uncouples DNA binding affinity from DNA specificity. Nucleic Acids Res. 2018;. [PMID: 30239908]
- Mather AE, Phuong TLT, Gao Y, Clare S, Mukhopadhyay S, Goulding DA, Hoang NTD, Tuyen HT, Lan NPH, Thompson CN, Trang NHT, Carrique-Mas J, Tue NT, Campbell JI, Rabaa MA, Thanh DP, Harcourt K, Hoa NT, Trung NV, Schultsz C, Perron GG, Coia JE, Brown DJ, Okoro C, Parkhill J, Thomson NR, Chau NVV, Thwaites GE, Maskell DJ, Dougan G, Kenney LJ, and Baker S. New Variant of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Associated with Invasive Disease in Immunocompromised Patients in Vietnam. MBio 2018; 9(5). [PMID: 30181247]
- Gao Y, Spahn C, Heilemann M, and Kenney LJ. The Pearling Transition Provides Evidence of Force-Driven Endosomal Tubulation during Salmonella Infection. MBio 2018; 9(3). [PMID: 29921673]
- Spahn C, Glaesmann M, Gao Y, Foo YH, Lampe M, Kenney LJ, and Heilemann M. Erratum to: Sequential Super-Resolution Imaging of Bacterial Regulatory Proteins, the Nucleoid and the Cell Membrane in Single, Fixed E. coli Cells. Methods Mol. Biol. 2017; 1624:E1. [PMID: 29151226]
- Gao Y, Foo YH, Winardhi RS, Tang Q, Yan J, and Kenney LJ. Charged residues in the H-NS linker drive DNA binding and gene silencing in single cells. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2017;. [PMID: 29109287]
- Spahn C, Glaesmann M, Gao Y, Foo YH, Lampe M, Kenney LJ, and Heilemann M. Sequential Super-Resolution Imaging of Bacterial Regulatory Proteins: The Nucleoid and the Cell Membrane in Single, Fixed E. coli Cells. Methods Mol. Biol. 2017; 1624:269-289. [PMID: 28842890]
- Foo YH, Gao Y, Zhang H, and Kenney LJ. Cytoplasmic sensing by the inner membrane histidine kinase EnvZ. Prog. Biophys. Mol. Biol. 2015; 118(3):119-29. [PMID: 25937465]
