NETMAIL
Ben Ovryn, Ph.D.
Ben Ovryn, Ph.D., associate professor of anatomy and structural biology and associate director of the Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, is recognized as an expert in microscopic imaging. His research is focused on understanding the mechanisms that govern adhesion between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. His laboratory uses a combination of optical microscopy techniques to image adhesion to an extracellular matrix, an essential process in mammalian cellular locomotion. The formation of a stable adhesion requires the interaction between adhesion receptors and their ligands. Unfortunately, a mechanistic understanding of the processes that govern the formation of integrin adhesions still eludes scientists.
Additionally, several types of fluorescent imaging methods are used in order to probe the interplay between membrane biophysics and the myriad proteins that assemble at an adhesion. His laboratory has developed a model, based upon statistical thermodynamic arguments, which provides a mechanistic understanding of the hierarchical processes that govern the formation of an integrin adhesion. This research is funded under grant: NIH 1R01GM076293 "Imaging Actin Dynamics at the Ventral Surface of Live Cells". In order to probe the dynamics of the plasma membrane in the vicinity of integrin adhesions, Dr. Ovryn has developed a novel form of interference reflection microscopy.
Dr. Ovryn is also interested in unraveling how pathological changes are related to disease. For example, motivated by clinical observations of neonatal pulmonary disease, he is using optical microscopy to understand the mechanisms responsible for oxidant-induced injury. In collaboration with Professor Robert M. Angert, assistant professor of pediatrics and attending neonatologist at Weiler Hospital, Dr. Ovryn is analyzing how cells change and adapt to intense levels of oxygen exposure. Although hypoxic newborns must be treated in order to improve tissue oxygenation, exposure to increased concentrations of oxygen often results in bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The Ovryn lab is now investigating the relationship between increased levels of radical oxygen species and actin cytoskeletal reorganization.
Optical techniques can also be used to image and to control processes in cells. One method is to use light to activate a gene. This approach will help to understand gene expression in single cells. Using microscopy, it is possible to "uncage" a molecule and then make it biologically active. This photoactivation of a gene can subsequently begin transcription of RNA. These optical methods allow the investigators to spatially localize gene activation and to control precisely when the activation occurs (for further information, please see: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Initiatives/CellImaging/RFA-RM-04-001.htm).
In addition to his research and academic duties, Dr. Ovryn co-teaches a new course called "Quantitative Imaging of Cells". This course has a limited enrollment of only 15 students to assure that each student has ample exposure to the microscopes that are used during the laboratory assignments. Dr. Ovryn is responsible for the laboratories associated with this course.
Dr. Ovryn recently served as a reviewer on three NIH Study Sections: Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies in December and March, and Microscopic Imaging in February. Service on an NIH Study Section indicates that a scientist is a recognized authority in their field; is a principal investigator on a research project, comparable to those being reviewed, with a dedication to high quality and fair reviews. The members of his laboratory have quantitative backgrounds and analytical strengths and they apply their knowledge to a compelling biological question.
|