Nick Godzik

INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF MEMBRANE POTENTIAL IN HUMAN GASTRULATION MODEL

Mikolaj Godzik, Robert Piscopio, Max Z. Wilson, Angela Pitenis

Controlling the behavior of stem cells is a critical aspect of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Although research has shown that membrane potential represents a powerful control mechanism over cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, the mechanism of bioelectricity in stem cell biology is poorly characterized.  I plan to investigate how membrane potential (Vmem) is organized in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived gastruloids to characterize the role of membrane potential in embryonic morphogenesis.
If membrane potential plays a role in gastrulation, then I would expect to see a noticeable difference in the organization and value of the fluorescence between differentiated and undifferentiated controls. To test my hypothesis, I will use fluorescent voltage indicator dyes to measure values across 2D micro-patterned tissues undergoing differentiation. In addition, I intend to develop a transgenic stem cell line harboring a voltage reporter and light-sensitive ion channel allowing me to both “read” and “write” membrane potential gradients into tissues with spatial and temporal control. This approach will not only allow me to study the native Vmem organization over gastruloid development, but we will also endow me the ability to perturb the native Vmem state to study its dynamics. By understanding bioelectrical gradient formation, we hope to uncover control mechanism in human development that show promise toward therapeutic options in cellular therapies and regenerative medicine.