Publications

@article{Mendonca2025-la,

title = {The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics},

author = {Tania Mendonca and Roman Urban and Kellie Lucken and George Coney and Neil M Kad and Manlio Tassieri and Amanda J Wright and Daniel G Booth},

doi = {10.1038/s41467-025-61755-5},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-07-01},

urldate = {2025-07-01},

journal = {Nat. Commun.},

volume = {16},

number = {1},

pages = {6399},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},

abstract = {In dividing cells, chromosomes are coated in a sheath of 

 proteins and RNA called the mitotic chromosome periphery. This 

 sheath is thought to confer biophysical properties to 

 chromosomes, critical for successful cell division. However, the 

 details of chromosome mechanics, and specifically, if and how 

 the chromosome periphery contributes to them, remain poorly 

 understood. In this study, we present a comprehensive 

 characterisation of single-chromosome mechanics using optical 

 tweezers and an improved broadband microrheology analysis. We 

 extend this analysis to direct measurements of the chromosome 

 periphery by manipulating levels of Ki-67, its chief organiser, 

 and apply a rheological model to isolate its contribution to 

 chromosome mechanics. We report that the chromosome periphery 

 governs dynamic self-reorganisation of chromosomes and acts as a 

 structural constraint, providing force-damping properties. This 

 work provides significant insight into chromosome mechanics and 

 will inform our understanding of the mitotic chromosome 

 periphery\'s role in cell division.},

keywords = {chromosome mechanics, microrheology, optical trapping, Optical tweezers},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Mendonca2023-hi,

title = {OptoRheo: Simultaneous in situ micro-mechanical sensing and  imaging of live 3D biological systems},

author = {Tania Mendonca and Katarzyna Lis-Slimak and Andrew B Matheson and Matthew G Smith and Akosua B Anane-Adjei and Jennifer C Ashworth and Robert Cavanagh and Lynn Paterson and Paul A Dalgarno and Cameron Alexander and Manlio Tassieri and Catherine L R Merry and Amanda J Wright},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-01},

urldate = {2023-04-01},

journal = {Commun. Biol.},

volume = {6},

number = {1},

pages = {463},

abstract = {Biomechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are 

 essential for directing many cellular processes, from normal 

 development and repair, to disease progression. To better 

 understand cell-matrix interactions, we have developed a new 

 instrument named \'OptoRheo\' that combines light sheet 

 fluorescence microscopy with particle tracking microrheology. 

 OptoRheo lets us image cells in 3D as they proliferate over 

 several days while simultaneously sensing the mechanical 

 properties of the surrounding extracellular and pericellular 

 matrix at a sub-cellular length scale. OptoRheo can be used in 

 two operational modalities (with and without an optical trap) to 

 extend the dynamic range of microrheology measurements. We 

 corroborated this by characterising the ECM surrounding live 

 breast cancer cells in two distinct culture systems, cell 

 clusters in 3D hydrogels and spheroids in suspension culture. 

 This cutting-edge instrument will transform the exploration of 

 drug transport through complex cell culture matrices and optimise 

 the design of the next-generation of disease models.},

keywords = {3D in vitro models, Biomaterials (hydrogels scaffolds), cell matrix interactions, light sheet fluorescence microscopy, microrheology, multiplane microscopy, optical trapping, Optical tweezers, viscoelasticity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}