Darci Fink Research Lab
Microscopy
Our lab specializes in microscopy. To perform our research, we utilize a variety of specialized microscopes including epifluorescence, laser scanning confocal, and multiphoton microscopes. Microscopy is performed in vitro as well as in vivo to one day better understand the lymphatic system in complex organisms.
Current Projects
Primary Cilia
- Primary Cilia are well-known signaling organelles cells use to sense their environment. Primary Cilia house many receptors used to relay chemical signaling from outside the cell and convert them to intracellular signals. Primary Cilia have also been shown to sense fluid flow and are an integral organelle in blood endothelial cells. The Fink Lab discovered Primary Cilia on Lymphatic Endothelial cells for the first time. Now we are working on understanding the mechanisms by which Primary Cilia regulate lymphatic vessel development and maintenance.
- To understand the importance of Primary Cilia, our lab uses both cell and animal models. We developed an immortalized mouse lymphatic endothelial cell line and mouse lineage both with the protein IFT20 knocked out. IFT20 is a protein necessary for a cell to assemble Primary Cilia. Using both in vitro and in vivo models we hope to elucidate the mechanisms by which Primary Cilia regulate the lymphatic vasculature in complex organisms.
Recurrent Lymphangiogenesis
- The lymphatic system plays an active role in wound healing and the immune response. In response to a wound, the lymphatic system grows new vessels toward the site of the wound allowing for the uptake of fluid and immune cells
Collaborations
Gregory J. Pazour, Ph.D.
- The specializes in understanding the assembly mechanisms and functions of Eukaryotic Cilia.
Joshua Scallan Ph.D.
- The Scallan lab specializes in the field of lymphatics. Specifically, they study lymphatic vessel permeability.
