Systems Biology Of the Dynamic Cell

- An Interdisciplinary Working Group -

Avijit Ghosh, Department of Physics, Drexel University

Andres Kriete, School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University and Coriell Institute

Mark Lechner, Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Drexel University

Overview

"Systems Biology Of The Dynamic Cell" at Drexel University is a new interdisciplinary and inter-departmental initiative. We combine key activities like 4D imaging, modeling and simulation to elucidate spatio-temporal activities in cells on a quantitative basis. Our goal is to develop testable models of cellular function, prediction of disease processes and interdiction of these aberrant pathways in disease as well as to provide a quantitative understanding of how spatial compartmentalization and cell heterogeneity may influence these finely tuned process.

Background

The spatial distribution of molecules, organelles and messenger molecules throughout the cell is essential for the processing of signals, metabolic processes and other intracellular processes. Modeling and experimental analyses of cellular dynamics have generally neglected the spatial heterogeneity of cells (consider the use of western blot analyses or the use of coupled ordinary differential equations of mass action kinetics). Recent advances in computational power and bioimaging provide the promise of probing and analysis of dynamical cellular behavior with a sub-micron resolution. On the imaging forefront, subcellular structures and processes may be studied by advanced 3D imaging, including time-lapse, confocal deconvolution and nano-imaging. These images may in turn be processed using mathematical modeling and global optimization techniques to generate hierarchal cellular models to simulate, predict and verify dynamic processes, transport and behavior. To that extent, the inclusion of bioimaging gives Systems Biology new momentum.

This initiative facilitates cooperation of biologists and mathematical physicists as well as imaging, bioinformatics, and computer science specialists. This synergistic integration of experiment, imaging, computation and theory provides a unique opportunity to achieve a realistic understanding of cellular processes on a submicron level

Colloquia Announcements

• March 3rd 2005 - Ravi Iyengar - Mount Sinai School of Medicine - "Regulatory Motifs in Cell Signaling Networks" - Disque 909
• Februrary 25th 2005 - Andres Kriete, Bahrad Sokhansanj - Drexel University "Progress in Experimental and Computational Systems Biology and Biological Engineering" - Disque 108
• January 13th 2005 - Albert Libchaber - Rockefeller University - "Some Physical Aspects of the Origin of Life and of Artifical Cells" - Disque 909

Philadelphia Biophysics Colloquia

A full list of interesting Colloquium going on through out the philadelphia region is available here. The list is currently being filled in primarily through Angie Young's Biophysics Colloquium list for the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel Univerity's Physics Department. Drop me an email and I can add any individual talks or departmental seminar series.

Members of this initiative include:

Avijit Ghosh (Mathematical Biology, Cellular Simulation)

Andres Kriete (Bioimaging, Bioinformation Engineering)

Mark Lechner (Molecular Biology, Proteomics)

Elisabeth Papazoglou (Nanotechnology, Imaging)

Bahrad Sokhansanj (Biosystem Simulation, Host-Pathogen Interactions)

Jian-Min Yuan (Systems Biology)

Boris Kholodenko (Thomas Jefferson University, Systems Biology)

Dhruv Pant (Postdoctoral Fellow, Modeling, Oncogene Analysis)

Rui Zou (Graduate Student, Optimization, Numerical Methods);

Dave Miller (Graduate Student, Spatio Temporal Modeling, Numerical Methods)

Harriet Pais (Graduate Student, Bioimaging)

Nirupama Yalamanchili (Graduate Student, Systems Biology)