Mathematical Biology seminar Randal Dull Department of Anesthesiology University of Utah "Endothelial Glycocalyx: Mechano-transduction and capillary permeability" November 30, 2005 3:05pm, LCB 215 The endothelial glycocalyx is a cell-surface layer composed of glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosaminoglycans and adsorbed serum proteins that, collectively, forms a three-dimensional polymer matrix . We have recently demonstrated that components of the glycocalyx participate in mechano-transduction which, in turn, influences endothelial barrier function. To further investigate the role of the glycocalyx in endothelial barrier function, we have developed a tissue-engineered lung capillary model and have developed biophysical techniques to characterize the structure-function relationship of the glycocalyx. I will provide an overview of the techniques I use to measure lung capillary permeability, the use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to make mass transport measurements directly inside the glycocalyx and the use of reflectance interference microscopy (RICM) to measure the biomechanics of glycocalyx components. Using these diverse methodologies, we hope to develop a comprehensive model of the endothelial glycocalyx as it relates to mechano-transduction and barrier function.