Shannon Faley (PDRA, Glasgow)
Investigation of Ca++ Signal Regulation during T cell activation
The objective of this research is to utilize a microfluidic platform to investigate the mechanisms controlling calcium signaling in T cells, associated with the early stages of the formation of the immune synapse. Specifically, the reports of mitochondria migration towards the immune synapse and subsequent influence of CRAC channel current will be evaluated in primary T cells using fluorescence imaging of isolated cell(s) on a microfluidic platform. In addition, we will determine whether CRAC channels actively migrate through the plasma membrane towards the immune synapse using Total Internal Reflectance Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, a process that thus far has only been theorized.