Michael B. Lawrence

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Primary Appointment

Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering

Education

  • BA, Chemistry, Rice University
  • PhD, Chemical Engineering, Rice University
  • Postdoc, Immunology, Harvard University

Research Disciplines

Biophysics, Biotechnology, Cardiovascular Biology, Cardiovascular Biology

Research Interests

Vascular and Molecular Engineering

Research Description

Our laboratory is developing applications of molecular mechanics to the challenges of targeted drug and gene delivery. To increase specificity and reduce toxic side effects, we are incorporating leukocyte adhesion receptors into liposomes and polymeric microparticles containing encapsulated therapeutics to target defective cells with high specificity. To this end, we are using a mutagenesis approach coupled with biophysical analysis of mechanically stressed bonds to identify the controlling features of adhesion receptors that permit binding in the presence of fluid shear forces.
Additionally, we have developed several model flow systems to examine the dynamics of platelet-leukocyte-vessel wall interactions that take place during the acute phases of an inflammatory challenge or the formation of blood clots on the vessel wall. Common to interactions between platelets, leukocytes, and the vessel wall is the involvement of a family of receptors called selectins that support transient adhesions in which leukocytes and platelets roll along the vessel wall in shear flow. These studies have significance for the understanding of the regulatory effects of blood flow, adhesion receptor expression, and chemokines on inflammatory responses and blood clotting.

Personal Statement

Our laboratory is developing applications of molecular mechanics to the challenges of targeted drug and gene delivery. To increase specificity and reduce toxic side effects, we are incorporating leukocyte adhesion receptors into liposomes and polymeric microparticles containing encapsulated therapeutics to target defective cells with high specificity. To this end, we are using a mutagenesis approach coupled with biophysical analysis of mechanically stressed bonds to identify the controlling features of adhesion receptors that permit binding in the presence of fluid shear forces.
Additionally, we have developed several model flow systems to examine the dynamics of platelet-leukocyte-vessel wall interactions that take place during the acute phases of an inflammatory challenge or the formation of blood clots on the vessel wall. Common to interactions between platelets, leukocytes, and the vessel wall is the involvement of a family of receptors called selectins that support transient adhesions in which leukocytes and platelets roll along the vessel wall in shear flow. These studies have significance for the understanding of the regulatory effects of blood flow, adhesion receptor expression, and chemokines on inflammatory responses and blood clotting.

Selected Publications

2016

Viola, F., Lin-Schmidt, X., Bhamidipati, C., Haverstick, D. M., Walker, W. F., Ailawadi, G., & Lawrence, M. B. (2016). Sonorheometry assessment of platelet function in cardiopulmonary bypass patients: Correlation of blood clot stiffness with platelet integrin αIIbβ3 activity, aspirin usage, and transfusion risk. THROMBOSIS RESEARCH, 138, 96-102. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2015.11.036

2015

Wang, C. W., Perez, M. J., Helmke, B. P., Viola, F., & Lawrence, M. B. (2015). Integration of Acoustic Radiation Force and Optical Imaging for Blood Plasma Clot Stiffness Measurement. PLOS ONE, 10(6). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0128799

Paschall, C. D., Klibanov, A. L., & Lawrence, M. B. (2015). Regulation of L-selectin-dependent hydrodynamic shear thresholding by leukocyte deformability and shear dependent bond number. BIORHEOLOGY, 52(5-6), 415-432. doi:10.3233/BIR-15064

2012

Tlaxca, J. L., Rychak, J. J., Ernst, P. B., Konkalmatt, P. R., Shevchenko, T. I., Pizzaro, T. T., . . . Lawrence, M. B. (2013). Ultrasound-based molecular imaging and specific gene delivery to mesenteric vasculature by endothelial adhesion molecule targeted microbubbles in a mouse model of Crohn's disease. JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE, 165(3), 216-225. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.10.021

2011

Lin-Schmidt, X., Ham, A. S. W., Reed, M. L., Lawrence, M. B., & Helmke, B. P. (2011). Leukocyte rolling on engineered nanodot surfaces. MICRO & NANO LETTERS, 6(5), 301-305. doi:10.1049/mnl.2011.0184

2010

Tlaxca, J. L., Anderson, C. R., Klibanov, A. L., Lowrey, B., Hossack, J. A., Alexander, J. S., . . . Rychak, J. J. (2010). ANALYSIS OF IN VITRO TRANSFECTION BY SONOPORATION USING CATIONIC AND NEUTRAL MICROBUBBLES. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY, 36(11), 1907-1918. doi:10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2010.05.014

Mauldin, F. W. J., Viola, F., Hamer, T. C., Ahmed, E. M., Crawford, S. B., Haverstick, D. M., . . . Walker, W. F. (2010). Adaptive force sonorheometry for assessment of whole blood coagulation. CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA, 411(9-10), 638-644. doi:10.1016/j.cca.2010.01.018