Faculty Profile
|
Clare Yellowley
Professor Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology (Vet Med) 2160C HARING HALL Office (530)754-6513 Lab cyellowley@ucdavis.edu |
|
| Bone and cartilage cell biology; Mechanotransduction, hypoxia, cell migration. | |
Degrees:
1995 - PhD - Bristol University, UK - Physiology
1991 - BS - Aberdeen University, UK - Anatomy
Professional Societies:
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Orthopaedic Research Society
European Calcified Tissue Society
Biophysical Society
Grad Group Affiliations and Specialties:
Cell and Developmental Biology
Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology
Non-DBS Grad Group(s) - Comparative Pathology
Research Interests:
Musculoskeletal Biology: Bone and Cartilage; Mechanotransduction; Hypoxia; Signal Transduction; Ion channels; Mechanobiology; Mesenchymal Stem Cell; Cell Migration; Both bone and cartilage are exquisitely sensitive to their mechanical and chemical environment. Our research effort is focused on understanding the physico-chemical environment of these tissues. With regards to the mechanical environment, it is thought that the cells within bone and cartilage are the mechanosensors. Therefore, we have developed systems for applying mechanical load to bone and cartilage cells in vitro, with which we can study effects of load on cell biology, for example cellular signaling, metabolism and gene expression. We are also examining the roles of potential candidate mechanotransducer proteins in this process. Currently we are investigating a role for annexin V, a calcium–dependent phospholipid binding protein and putative ion channel, in mechanosensing in bone. We are also actively investigating the effects of hypoxia on bone cells, which may occur during bone unloading and during a fracture. We are interested in the effects of hypoxia on bone cell differentiation and activity and also the role of hypoxia in migration of mesenchymal stem cells. Broadly the techniques we employ include cellular electrophysiology (ion channel recording), fluorescence imaging and cell and molecular biology techniques.
Courses Taught:
VMD 401A Locomotor Anatomy - Term(s): Fall
VMD 427 Veterinary Cell Biology and Histology - Term(s): Fall
APC 100 Comparative Organology - Term(s): Winter