Richard D. Berlin
Center for Cell Analysis & Modeling

CCAM Faculty

Leslie M. Loew

Boehringer Ingelheim Chair in Cell Sciences Professor of Cell Biology

Professor of Computer Science and Engineering

Director, R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling

Contact Information

Research Interests

Research in this laboratory encompasses several projects. We have a longstanding effort aimed at developing an characterizing fluorescent probes of membrane potential. Although this effort is continuing, we are now particularly focused on studies of the non-linear optical properties of the dyes, including second harmonic generation as an alternative to fluorescence as a probe of membrane potential. A second project is aimed at elucidating how electrical potentials may vary along neuronal surfaces and the cell physiological consequences of such heterogeneities. Among the consequences that have been suggested by our studies are directed neurite outgrowth and local sensitization of voltage-dependent ion channels. Quantitative digital imaging microscopy is combined with patch clamp recording in these studies and has revealed roles for intracellular calcium changes in the mechanisms of these phenomena. Finally, we are very excited about a project called the "Virtual Cell", in which we have created a framework for using computer simulation to explore cell biological mechanisms. The models are built naturally from experimental images of cell and subcellular structures combined with biochemical and electrophysiological data. Among the published ways we have used the “Virtual Cell” system are to explain the pattern of cytosolic calcium waves evoked by hormonal stimulation of a neuronal cell and the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport.