309 Measurement of agonist-induced calcium and mechanical signals in human airway smooth muscle cells

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The goal of this proposal is to develop a technology that combines calcium imaging via confocal microscopy, and force measurement via monolayer stress microscopy to perform simultaneous quantitative measurements of agonist-induced Ca2+ and mechanical signals in HASMCs. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The methods by which second messenger signals and changes in mechanical forces determine specific physiological responses are complex. Recent studies point to the importance of temporal and spatial encoding in determining signal specificity. Hence, approaches that probe both chemical and mechanical signals are needed. We combine hyperspectral imaging for second messenger signal measurements, monolayer stress microscopy for mechanical force measurements, and S8 analysis software for quantifying localized signals. Imaging was performed using an excitation-scanning hyperspectral microscope. Hyperspectral images were unmixed to identify signals from fluorescent labels and microparticles. Images were analyzed to quantify localized force dynamics through monolayer stress microscopy. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Results indicate that localized and transient cellular signals can be quantified and mapped within cell populations. Importantly, these results establish a method for simultaneous interrogation of cellular signals and mechanical forces that may play synergistic roles in regulating downstream cellular physiology in confluent monolayers. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We will measure the distribution of chemical and mechanical signals within cells, providing insight into the dynamics of cell signaling. Studies will have implication in the understanding of infections, drug delivery in which non-uniform distributions of drugs are a certainty, and in understanding coordinated responses in cellular systems.