Mechanobiology at UTHealth Houston
The Wenzel laboratory is led by Dr. Pamela Wenzel and is housed within the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology at the McGovern Medical School. We are part of the Immunology Program at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Our research centers on understanding how biophysical cues in the body impact cell behavior. Our cancer program aims to identify new ways of preventing the spread of cancer. Our stem cell research seeks to support recovery of the immune system after cancer treatment.
At the interface of biology and engineering
We are applying tools in engineering, genetics, and computational biology to decipher cell signaling pathways important for motility of cancer cells and stem cell fate decisions. Our research is published in broad interest and sub-specialty scientific journals.
Looking for data?
We are eager to invite new collaborations and to share our data and methods with the scientific community. Transcriptome datasets are available for various types of cells exposed to fluid forces on biomimetic platforms.
What's happening in the lab?
Our team of scientists are researching how mechanical features of the cellular microenvironment impact metastasis through the lymphatics and drive specification of new hematopoietic stem cells. This effort requires active engagement with granting agencies and industry, presentation of our findings to the scientific community, and training of the next generation of hematologists, immunologists, and biomedical engineers.