Math-Bio: Self-organization of movement: from single cell polarity to multicellular swarms.

It’s my great pleasure to announce the continuation of our weekly Math-Bio seminar series! As a reminder, these meetings take place every Wednesday at 2:00 pm (Pacific Time) in the PIMS lounge (ESB 4133). PIMS tea will follow the seminar at around 3:00 pm.

Attend online:
https://ubc.zoom.us/j/64671573478?pwd=J1kiOTYqD0TukMjoVRpTWfBbqSr5TM.1
Meeting ID: 646 7157 3478
Passcode: 979571

Cell movement requires long-range coordination of the cytoskeletal machinery that organizes cell morphogenesis.   We have found that reciprocal interactions between biochemical signals and physical forces enable this long-range signal integration.  Through a combination of optogenetic inputs, mechanical measurements, and mathematical modeling, we resolve a recent controversy regarding the role of membrane tension propagation in this process and reveal the requirements for long-range transmission of tension in cells.  Most cells don't move in isolation-- they collectively migrate by sharing information similar to the flocking of birds, the schooling of fish, and the swarming of ants.  We reveal a novel active signal relay system that rapidly and robustly ensures the proper level of immune cell recruitment to sites of injury and infection.