Math Biology Seminar: Cole Zmurchok
- Date: 11/23/2016
- Time: 13:45
University of British Columbia
Modelling the interplay of cell signalling and cell mechanics
Signalling networks of Rho GTPases regulate single and collective cell migration. Mechanical effects, such as membrane tension and cell-cell pulling forces, also play a role in these networks. We couple a 1D ODE model for GTPase signalling within a cell with a simple model of cell mechanics. By coupling GTPase activation to membrane tension or pulling forces, we characterize the possible feedback loops that regulate cell length. We extend the single-cell model to a multicellular group by assuming that cell-cell junctions are responsible for transmitting forces to neighbouring cells. The interplay between cell-cell mechanics and GTPase signalling is responsible for the emergence of coordinated migratory behaviour in the model. This suggests that a core network of mechanical signals and GTPase signalling can organize multicellular migration.
Location: PIMS (ESB 4th floor)