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UBC Math Dept
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MITACS/PIMS Mathematical Biology and related seminars
November, 2009
Tuesday,
November 24
Steve Andrews -- 2:00 pm in WMAX 110
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute
Simulating cell biology with spatial accuracy and single molecule detail
Abstract
Essentially all cellular processes depend on spatially localized proteins. Some proteins localize to cell poles, others to the particular cell membranes, and yet others to specific cytoplasmic regions. This localization is often dynamic, with proteins shuttling between different regions. The Smoldyn biochemical simulator helps researchers study this intracellular organization; Smoldyn represents each protein as an individual point-like particle that diffuses, reacts, and interacts with membranes, all in continuous space. It was surprisingly difficult to make these processes quantitative, such as for finding the "binding radius" for bimolecular reactions and the adsorption probability for molecules that adsorb to membranes. Smoldyn has enabled a variety of research projects over the last several years. In one example, Smoldyn simulations showed that yeast cells appear to secrete a protease (called Bar1) which degrades extracellular pheromone so that, paradoxically, they can sense the pheromone gradient more accurately. This helps cells improve their mating success.
December, 2009
Tuesday,
December 8
Rafael Meza -- 2:00 pm in WMAX 110
BCCDC
Infectious Diseases and Cancer
Abstract
TBA
January, 2010
Tuesday,
January 12
Omer Dushek -- 2:00 pm in WMAX 110
Oxford University
TBA
Abstract
TBA
Thursday,
January 14
Burt Simon -- 2:00 pm in WMAX TBA
University of Colorado
TBA
March, 2010
Tuesday,
March 16
David Odde -- 2:00 pm in WMAX 110
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
TBA
Abstract
TBA

Seminar series sponsored by PIMS and MITACS.

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