When cells grow or move within dense microenvironments their nuclei are subjected to different degrees of deformation. We investigate the mechanisms underlying cell behavior and fate in scenarios where cells experience mechanical stress.

If you are interested in our work and would like to join the team, please reach out to Dr. Nader (naderg@chop.edu) directly.

Super resolution image of a cell confined at 2um height. Blue: DAPI; Yellow: Endoplasmic reticulum

Super resolution image of a cell confined to a height of 2um using microfabricated devices.

Blue: DAPI; Yellow: Endoplasmic reticulum

Super-resolution image of non-necrotic (day 4) vs. necrotic (day 14) spheroid exhibiting spatial variations in cell volume and aspect ratio due to necrosis-mediated osmotic cell swelling and compression

The Nader lab is based at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania. Our research program focuses on elucidating how the cell nucleus affects cell function as a consequence of different degrees of nuclear deformation observed in both health and disease.

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Our lab is currently characterizing the nuclear mechanosensing pathways orchestrating cell behavior, function and fate when the nucleus is subjected to physical stress. We are also interested in studying how a dense tumor microenvironment modulates cancer cell and immune cell function.

Projects