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376-1392-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-CHAB , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-ITET , D-HEST , D-GESS
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Mechanobiology: Implications for Development, Regeneration and Tissue Engineering

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. G.V. Shivashankar
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:07

Abstract

This course will emphasize the importance of mechanobiology to cell determination and behavior. Its importance to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering will also be addressed. Finally, this course will discuss how age and disease adversely alter major mechanosensitive developmental programs.

Objective

The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to the emerging field of “Mechanobiology”.

Content

We will focus on cells and tissues and introduce the major methods employed in uncovering the principles of mechanobiology. We will first discuss the cellular mechanotransduction mechanisms and how they regulate genomes. This will be followed by an analysis of the mechanobiological underpinnings of cellular differentiation, cell-state transitions and homeostasis. Developing on this understanding, we will then introduce the mechanobiological basis of cellular ageing and its impact on tissue regeneration, including neurodegeneration and musculoskeletal systems. We will then highlight the importance of tissue organoid models as routes to regenerative medicine. We will also discuss the impact of mechanobiology on host-pathogen interactions. Finally, we will introduce the broad area of mechanopathology and the development of cell-state biomarkers as readouts of tissue homeostasis and disease pathologies. Collectively, the course will provide a quantitate framework to understand the mechanobiological processes at cellular scale and how they intersect with tissue function and diseases. Lecture 1: Introduction to the course: forces, signalling and cell behaviour Lecture 2: Methods to engineer and sense mechanobiological processes Lecture 3: Mechanisms of cellular mechanosensing and cytoskeletal remodelling Lecture 4: Nuclear mechanotransduction pathways Lecture 5: Genome organization, regulation and genome integrity Lecture 6: Differentiation, development and reprogramming Lecture 7: Tissue microenvironment, cell behaviour and homeostasis Lecture 8: Cellular aging and tissue regeneration Lecture 9: Neurodegeneration and regeneration Lecture 10: Musculoskeletal systems and regeneration Lecture 11: Tissue organoid models and regenerative medicine Lecture 12: Microbial systems and host-pathogen interactions Lecture13: Mechanopathology and cell-state biomarkers Lecture14: Concluding lecture and case studies

Resources

Lecture Notes

n/a

Literature

Topical Scientific Manuscripts

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
Open book exam (including physical and digital copies of e.g. the lecture slides). The use of the Internet and other means of communication is not allowed.
Group Project Presentations 25 %, Individual Reports 25 %, Final Exam 50 %

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Mechanobiology: Implications for Development, Regeneration and Tissue Engineering
Attendance is mandatory on the first day of class as projects are distributed on this day.
  • Thu 16:15-18:00 (HG D 7.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In