Computer Science Presentation
A Call to Collaborate: Imaging optically cleared whole tissues with unprecedented resolution of macroscale architecture, cellular anatomy and extracellular matrices.
Abstract: In this presentation, we aim to first present an overview of our present work in bladder and muscle regeneration to the computer science, biology, biophysics community at WFU. Then, we will discuss the need for morphometric analysis of microscopic datasets within the context of tissue engineering and where we hope to collaborate with WFU and apply these methods to two principal design challenges: First, the ability to design an automated muscle fiber segmentation process and generate realistic, accurate morphometric measurements of muscle fibers (colored in green, at right) in regenerating skeletal muscle (e.g. tibialis anterior) and smooth muscle (e.g. bladder). Second, consider alternatives for automated segmentation and analysis of extracellular matrix fibers (colored in blue, at right) in the aforementioned tissues. Ultimately, the ability to transform qualitative into quantitative imaging data will ultimately enhance the tissue engineering community’s understanding of the mechanistic basis for normal structure-function relationships as well as any alterations during age or pathology-related remodeling, repair, or regeneration.
Biographies:
Frank Marini, Ph.D., trained at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center where his group was credited with uncovering the role mesenchymal stem cells in the stroma of tumors. Currently, Dr. Marini’s is an equally appointed professor in both Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Biology at WFIRM where his research focuses on stromagenesis, tumor fibrosis, and wound associated fibrosis. Dr. Marini has pioneered several imaging technologies, including multispectral imaging for tumor stroma formation, and optical deconstruction of regenerated tissues. Dr. Marini’s is the core director for both the Center of Regenerative Imaging at WFIRM and the Cell Imaging Shared Resource at the Cancer Center.
Kyle Cowdrick, B.Sc., is an early biomedical engineering professional leveraging an interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research at WFIRM. Trained as a chemical engineer from the University of Notre Dame, he has four years of research experience focusing on the intersection of engineering and biology and developing enhanced tools and unique approaches to study physiologic problems. His research experience ranges from breast cancer brain metastasis, optical imaging with multimodal preclinical imaging (most notably fluorescence microscopy), microfluidics for clinical diagnostic applications, and tissue engineering. Kyle is the resident engineer at the Marini research group directing efforts in innovating new solutions for fluorescence microscopy.
