We are a highly multidisciplinary group with interests in engineering, biology, physics, and medicine. We strive to answer biological and medical questions by leveraging our broad expertise.
Our mission
We seek to tackle human disease through a holistic combination of microtechnologies, biology and medicine. We have special interest in solid tumors, cancer metabolism, immunology, and tissue microenvironment.
A role for microfluidic systems in precision medicine. Nature Communications. 2022.
Our approach
We use advances in cell culture and biomedical engineering to generate sophisticated in vitro culture platforms that allow us to capture the complexity of biological systems. Our approach includes the use of microphysiological systems, 3D cell culture, patient-derived samples, multi-photon microscopy, transcriptomics, etc.
Microfluidic lumen-based systems for advancing tubular organ modeling. Chem Soc Rev, 2020.
Research
Microtechnologies and tissue microenvironment – Using multiple microfabrication technologies, we generate advanced in vitro microphysiological platforms to mimic the tissue microstructure. Our microphysiological platforms include the presence of a 3D extracellular matrix, biomimetic blood and lymphatic vessels, and multiple cell types spatially organized. This approach allows us to generate systems that can mimic the stratified layers of the skin (e.g., epidermis, dermis) or the hypoxic and acidic environment of solid tumors.
Microphysiological system showing a patient-derived tumor spheroid embedded in a 3D hydrogel with fibroblasts, T, and NK cells.
Image from time-lapse experiment showing NK cells (in green) penetrating into a tumor spheroid (in red).
Cancer Immunotherapy – The immune system plays a critical role in tumor progression. While the tumor can highjack immune cells to promote cancer progression, immune cells also have the potential to destroy cancer cells by several mechanisms. Additionally, solid tumors commonly generate an immunosuppressive environment that limits the capacity of the immune system to attack the tumor. Thus, we leverage our unique microphysiological platforms to study the complex interactions between the solid tumor and the immune system. We study how T and natural killer (NK) cells can destroy tumor cells; simultaneously, we also evaluate the mechanisms used by tumor cells to escape immunosurveillance.
Using multi-photon microscopy, we can monitor cell metabolism in real-time within our microphysiological systems.
Metabolism – Oxygen and nutrient availability is critical in numerous biological processes, from neuron physiology to the immune system and cancer progression. Our microphysiological platforms allow us to create in vitro systems that include multiple compartments with different metabolic microenvironments. Next, we use molecular and functional techniques to decipher how metabolism shapes these biological processes.
Team
Jose Ayuso, PhD Principal Investigator jayuso@dermatology.wisc.edu Jose M Ayuso Dominguez (Jose) – Principal Investigator – Jose graduated at the University Autonoma of Madrid (Spain) in 2010 (B.S in Biochemistry). In 2012, he obtained his M.S in Biophysics at the same institution and move to the University of Zaragoza where he got his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2016. He moved to Madison, WI supported by a Morgridge fellowship to continue his postdoctoral studies. In 2022, he accepted a faculty position at the dermatology department as an assistant professor, he also is an affiliated member of the department of biomedical engineering. Jose leveraged advanced in vitro microphysiological systems to study cancer biology, immunotherapy, cell metabolism, or infectious diseases.
Kitty Reed-McBain Biomedical Engineering PhD Student creedmcbain@dermatology.wisc.edu Kitty holds Master’s degrees in Neuroscience from King’sCollege London and Stem Cells and Translational Neurology from the University of Edinburgh. She is currently enrolled as a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at UW-Madison and her research involves developing microphysiological platforms to model disease. She has a particular interest in melanoma metastasis, ischemic stroke, and the use of psychedelics to treat a range of disorders, including addiction, depression, and anxiety. In her free time, Kitty enjoys spending time with her family, international travel, and walking her dogs by the lake.
Cristina Sanchez De Diego Postdoctoral Fellow Cristina Sanchez De Diego – Postdoctoral Fellow – Cristina graduated at the University of Barcelona in 2021. Her research interests include cell differentiation, specially focused on the link between metabolism, nuclear transcription reprograming, and cell fate decision. Currently she is developing microphysiological models to study new therapies for sarcoidosis. Cristina loves being outdoors, when she is not in the lab you can find her climbing, hiking, or biking around Madison.
Sireesh Teertam Research Associate steertam@dermatology.wisc.edu Sireesh Teertam – Sireesh’s Ph.D. is in neurodegenerative disorders. The complex network of the neurovascular unit and astrocyte functional diversity in response to stress always amazes Sireesh. One of Sireesh major research questions is to understand how different signaling pathways in the skin, the largest organ in the human body, produce neoplastic growth and senescence with the help of bioengineering. Sireesh enjoys learning about cultural diversity, cooking, and reading.
Rithvik Turaga rturaga@dermatology.wisc.edu Graduate Student – Rithvik graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a B.S in Biomedical Engineering and is currently enrolled as a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering at UW-Madison. Rithvik is interested in studying 3D modeling platforms to understand diseases and identify potential therapeutics. In particular he is interested in applying these models to cancer and auto-immune diseases. Currently, Rithvik is focused on developing a microphysiological model to study sarcoidal granulomas. Outside of lab, he is passionate about soccer and enjoys watching movies.
Natalie Hua Undergraduate Student Natalie is an undergraduate student at UW-Madison. She is currently studying Biochemistry with a certificate in Global Health. Her expertise includes CNC milling, 3D printing, cell culture, and optical microscopy. Natalie’s current research focuses on neural cell responses under different conditions such as senescence or alcohol exposure. Outside of the lab, Natalie enjoys cooking and eating good food, video games, and art.
Janmesh D. Patel jpatel35@wisc.edu Collaborator Medical Student – Janmesh graduated from The University of Wisconsin Madison in 2020 with a B.S in Biomedical Engineering and is currently enrolled as a medical student at UWSMPH. He is interested in using microfluidic technology to model diseases and identify potential therapies. Janmesh is currently focused on developing a microphysiological model to study sarcoidal granulomas. Janmesh enjoys playing basketball and tennis, watching tv, and eating.
Undergraduates & Volunteers
Cole Abbott Ana Paape Janmesh Patel Ella Peterson
We are looking for curious and enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students to join our team! If you want to work in a multidisciplinary lab, combining engineering, physics, and biology to tackle medical problems, contact Jose directly (ayusodomingu@wisc.edu).
Contact
(For research-related inquiries only. Patients and others with medical questions should call 608-287-2620)
