Optomechanical insights into the central nervous system

It is increasingly being recognized that cells sense and respond to mechanical signals. In living organisms such signals arise from the mechanical properties of the surrounding tissue and its constituents. We are especially interested in the influence of mechanical signaling during central nervous system (CNS) development and pathologies. So far, most techniques to study the mechanical properties of the CNS relied on sacrificing animals and preparing tissue slices to provide accessible surfaces for indentation-type mechanical characterization. However, there are clear indications that both death and dissection change the mechanical properties of the tissue. To address this concern, Brillouin microscopy has emerged as a promising tool to quantitatively map the mechanical properties in 3D inside living organisms. Brillouin microscopy is advantageously paired with zebrafish larvae as an animal model that is transparent, amenable to genetic engineering and capable of striking repair of its CNS after injury. In this presentation, I will give an overview of our work illuminating the mechanical properties of the zebrafish CNS during development and repair, and our current understanding of the relevant biological mechanisms. These results start to form a solid foundation for further investigations into the mechanobiology of cell function in the CNS. Ultimately, this research could help treating previously incurable neuropathologies such as spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.