Pamela Wenzel
Associate Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
McGovern Medical School
Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology
Dr. Wenzel’s research is focused on understanding how microenvironmental forces alter the immune system and blood cell development. Members of her lab study how biophysical cues, such as flow in the vasculature and stiffness of the extracellular environment, impact the function and development of immune cells. Our studies are designed to advance treatments for hematologic cancers, anemias, and bone marrow failure syndromes. Mitochondria and other energy metabolism machinery adapt in response to mechanical force. We employ an array of approaches to evaluate how metabolism dictates cellular potential, including flow cytometry, Seahorse, microscopy, bioinformatics, microfluidics, pharmacology, and mouse genetics. Tutorial-based projects will include exposure to methods for in vitro application of mechanical force to cells. These approaches are paired with in vivo functional analyses in animal models and often require a combination of classical cell and molecular biology techniques.
McGovern Medical School Faculty
Education & Training
Ph.D. - The Ohio State University - 2007