The aim of this study was to determine whether the apparent reduction in cell number and alpha-SMA expression of porcine mitral valvular interstitial cells plated on substrates of varying stiffness was due to apoptosis or dedifferentiation. This decrease was determined to be a result of apoptosis as indicated by caspase levels comparable to the positive control. A more thorough investigation into cellular communication and signaling will be invaluable to the development of next generation valve replacements.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bazinet, Martin
• Chowaniec, Jessica Marie

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-121206-175535

Advisor

• Rulfs, Jill

Year

• 2006

Date created

• 2006-12-12

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright