Michael Sheetz

Michael Sheetz is a Professor at the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health), and Founding Director of the Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he served for 10 years as its leader. He is a key figure in mechanobiology, focusing on how cells generate and respond to forces during processes like cancer metastasis and brain function.

• PhD, California Institute of Technology

His research explores cell adhesion, cell-substrate interactions, and mechanotransduction, with a focus on integrins, focal adhesions, and the development of tools to measure molecular-level forces. Recent studies involve integrin clustering, membrane mechanics, and the role of proteins like FHL2 and HER2 in mechanosensing.

Recent publications highlight advances in nanopatterning for cell-matrix studies, biophysical modeling of adhesion dynamics, and signaling feedback mechanisms in receptor networks. His work bridges cell biology, materials science, and biophysics.

Lab Members:

• Kashish Jain (PhD Student)