Cell Dynamics and Mathematical Modelling

Basic data for this project

Description

The cellular movement, cell division, cell differentiation, and communication between cells rely strongly on biochemical signalling and biomechanics. Biomechanics and biochemical signalling are fundamental to the development of all embryos. Measurements and experiments in this context are based on fundamental principles of physics, which means that mathematical thought experiments are relevant as well. The new topical program "Cell Dynamics and Mathematical Modelling" aims to further strengthen this basis shared by experimental biology and mathematics. Biomechanical properties and dynamic changes in cell shape are closely tied to their specific cellular functions. Changes in cell shape are observed during the migration of cells in model organisms (e.g. Drosophila, zebrafish and mouse), processes that can be described mathematically and accordingly analysed theoretically. Importantly, this research line is relevant to cell dynamics in the context of pathological conditions such as wound healing, tumour growth and metastasis, which resemble morphogenetic events in normal embryonic development.