Cells, like all of us, live in a matrix. And the nature of the matrix could determine important functions of the cells, including their shape, migration speeds, fate, proliferative state, as well as metabolism. We focus on understanding how matrix rigidity and topography regulates cell signaling, and metabolism, as well as utilize mechanobiology for cardiac maturation.

In our lab, we use a variety of tools to both elucidate the signaling machinery involved in mechanotransduction, as well as utilize the gained knowledge for specific therapeutic purposes by bioengineering. A dedicated effort in our lab focuses on creating mature, adult-like cardiac tissues from human pluripotent cell sources as a surrogate for drug screening.

Related Publications

Afzal J^±, Liu Y, Du W*, Suhail Y*, Zong P, Feng J, Ajeti V, Sayyad WA, Nikolaus J, Yankova M, Deymier AC, Yue L, Kshitiz^±, Cardiac ultrastructure inspired matrix induces advanced metabolic and functional maturation of differentiated human cardiomyocytes, Cell Reports, 40, 111146. ±: Corresponding Authors

Kshitiz, Afzal J, Kim SY, Kim DH (2014). A nanotopography approach for studying the structure-function relationship of cells and tissues, Cell Adhesion & Migration, 8(4). Article

Kshitiz, Afzal J, Kim DH, Levchenko A (2014). Mechanotransduction via p190RhoGAP regulates a switch between cardiomyogenic and endothelial lineages in adult cardiac progenitors, Stem Cells,  32(8), 1999-2007.  Article

Ahn EH*, Kim Y*, Kshitiz*, An SS, Afzal J, Lee S, Kwak M, Suh KY, Kim DH, Levchenko A (2014). Spatial control of stem cell fate using nanotopographic cues, Biomaterials, 35(8), 2401-2410. Article

Kshitiz, Afzal J, Kim SY, Kim DH, (2014). A nanotopography approach for studying the structure-function relationships of cells and tissues, Cell Adhesion and Migration, 8(4). Article

Kshitiz*, Hubbi ME*, Ahn EH, Downey J, Kim DH, Rey S, Kundu A, Semenza GL, Abraham RM, Levchenko, A. (2012). Matrix rigidity coordinates the proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis of endothelial cells derived from cardiac progenitors, Science Signaling, 5(227):ra41. (Featured as a Article, Highlighted in Science). Article

Kim DH*, Kshitiz*, Smith R, Kim P, Marban E, Suh KY, Levchenko A. (2012). Nanopatterned Cardiac Cell Patches Promote Stem Cell Niche Formation and Myocardial Regeneration, Integrative Biology, 4(9):1019-33. (Featured as a Cover Article). Article

Kshitiz, Kim DH, Beebe D, Levchenko A. (2011). Micro- and nanoengineering for stem cell biology: the promise with a caution, Trends in Biotechnology, 29(8):399-408. Article

Kim DH, Han K, Gupta K, Kwon KW, Suh KY, Levchenko A. (2009). Mechanosensitivity of fibroblast cell shape and movement to anisotropic substratum topography gradients, Biomaterials. 30(29):5433-44. Article