Cell function is affected by a large variety of signals from the extracellular environment.
Our research is focused on understanding the role of the actin cytoskeleton and actin filament interactions with integrins in transducing those signals into changes in cell physiology. For example, fluid shear stress provides a mechanical stimulus to endothelial cells in blood vessels and osteoblasts in bone canaliculi. We are testing the hypothesis that the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in transducing fluid shear-induced mechanical signals into appropriate physiologic responses such as nitric oxide production and prostaglandin release. Through a better understanding of the function of the actin cytoskeleton, we hope to learn more about how cells respond to signals from the extracellular environment. 1987-1991, Postdoctoral Fellow, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1987, Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Department of Biological Science, Florida State Univ.