Julia J. Mack, PhD
(310) 825-5749
Email: JMack@mednet.ucla.edu
Lab website →
The Mack Lab studies mechanisms of endothelial cell mechanotransduction in the context of cardiovascular health and disease. We investigate how mechanical forces influence blood vessel function, both at the single cell and tissue level. We are interested in the role of blood flow forces in controlling individual endothelial cell response within a monolayer of cells. To visualize the heterogeneity of response, we utilize high resolution live cell imaging and atomic force microscopy to measure plasma membrane fluidity, quantify the dynamics of Ca2+ signaling and immune cell binding, and determine the localization of proteins at the subcellular level. In addition, we utilize mouse models to understand the role of blood flow and dyslipidemia in the development of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.
