S. Howard

Development and Characterization of a low intensity vibrational system for microgravity studies

This paper develops and characterizes a low-intensity vibrational bioreactor for microgravity studies on the International Space Station.

Increased deformations are dispensable for cell mechanoresponse in engineered bone analogs mimicking aging bone marrow

This study shows that increased mechanical strain is not necessary for MSC response to vibration in bone marrow analogs, as lower bone volume fractions still showed reduced collagen and F-actin despite higher strains.

Prrx1-driven LINC complex disruption in vivo reduces osteoid deposition but not bone quality after voluntary wheel running

This study shows that disrupting the LINC complex in bone progenitor cells reduces exercise-induced osteoid deposition but not bone quality in mice.

Osterix-driven LINC complex disruption in vivo diminishes bone microarchitecture in 8-week male mice but not after 6-week voluntary wheel running

This study examines the effect of Osterix-driven LINC complex disruption on bone microarchitecture in mice, finding reduced bone quality at 8 weeks but no significant change after 6 weeks of voluntary running.

Data driven and cell specific determination of nuclei-associated actin structure

The paper introduces a machine learning method to quantify and reconstruct nuclei-associated F-actin in mesenchymal stem cells, revealing structural changes upon LINC complex disruption.

Depletion of Sun1/2 induces heterochromatin accrual in mesenchymal stem cells during adipogenesis

The paper compares the effects of Sun1/2 depletion and dnKASH on adipogenesis in MSCs, finding that dnKASH accelerates adipogenesis while Sun1/2 depletion increases heterochromatin on adipogenic genes.

Mechanically induced nuclear shuttling of β-catenin requires co-transfer of actin

This study shows dynamic mechanical strain induces nuclear translocation of β-catenin via actin transport, while static strain promotes YAP1 nuclear entry, highlighting distinct mechanoresponses.