Back to Departmental Colloquium: Spring 2014
Departmental Colloquium
Date: Thursday, Jan 30, 2014
Time: 4:00PM
Location: LCB 219
William R Holmes
University of California, Irvine
Title |
New tools and development in mathematical cell biology |
Abstract |
In this talk I will give an overview of two research lines in mathematical cell biology. First I will discuss the development of new tools for understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of complex biochemical networks. Currently there is an extensive toolbox for mapping and understanding the non-linear dynamics of 1) large, complex dynamical systems and 2) smaller, simplified spatial systems. However numerous biological questions require probing the spatial dynamics of large complex biochemical networks, for which these tools are less well suited. I will describe a new non-linear stability technique that helps fill this void and demonstrate its utility in the context of understanding the symmetry breaking events that lead to cell polarity. Second, I will discuss a joint modeling / experimental investigation of early embryonic development. A vital first step in this process (in mammalian embryos) is the formation of an early placenta prior to implantation. This requires proper spatial localization of different genetic factors in the presence of numerous challenges (e.g. cell movements, division, noise). I will discuss an experimentally driven model of this developmental event and show that systemic noise, rather than being a hindrance, is both necessary and sufficient for this process to occur robustly. |
Dynamical Systems
Mathematical Biology