Sep 23, 2024, 9:00 AM
Sep 23, 2024, 9:00 AM

Stanford biophysicist explores immune cell control through movement

Highlights
  • Thiam studies neutrophils, white blood cells that seek and destroy microbes, and their movement mechanics.
  • Her research includes understanding how the nucleus affects cell movement and investigating NETosis.
  • The findings could enable future manipulation of immune cells for targeted therapies.
Story

Thiam, a biophysicist at Stanford University, is investigating the mechanics of cell movement, particularly focusing on neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Her research aims to understand how these cells navigate their environment to locate and eliminate harmful microbes. By drawing parallels between neutrophils and ants, she explores how these cells leave chemical trails to guide others in their search for pathogens. This understanding could lead to innovative methods for controlling immune responses in the body. During her Ph.D., Thiam studied the influence of the nucleus on cell movement, discovering that cells can deform their nuclei to fit through tight spaces. This finding is crucial for understanding how immune cells can reach sites of infection. Her postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health further delved into NETosis, a process where cells expel their DNA to trap pathogens, outlining the sequence of events involved in this phenomenon. Thiam's work is characterized by her determination and willingness to confront challenges. She acknowledges her doubts but uses them as motivation to improve her research and contribute to the scientific community. Her efforts include writing grants, conducting experiments, and mentoring students, all aimed at advancing the understanding of immune cell behavior. Ultimately, Thiam's research holds the potential to revolutionize how doctors can manipulate immune cells, paving the way for targeted therapies that could enhance the body's ability to fight infections and combat diseases like cancer.

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