Events Calendar

USC PSOC Monthly Seminar Series - Dr. Timothy Newman

Speaker: Dr. Timothy Newman, Professor of Physics, Physical Sciences, Director of Center for Biological Physics, Arizona State University

Talk Title: Modeling Active Processes in Cancer Progression and Embryogenesis

Abstract: Our group focuses on the study of multicellular dynamics, mainly through the use of large-scale computation. Our work is split evenly between two profoundly challenging yet distinct problems: embryo development and cancer. The Subcellular Element Model (ScEM ) we have developed allows for the simulations of large numbers of deformable three-dimensional cells in a grid-free setting. Briefly, each cell is described by a few hundred "subcellular elements" which represent the nodes of a coarse-grained cytoskeleton. Elements are visco-elastically coupled with short-range interactions. Neighboring cells interact through short-ranged interactions between peripheral elements on each cell. This algorithm allows a computationally efficient means to simulate three-dimensional cell shape and deformations. Despite the simplicity of its underlying framework, the ScEM has been shown to reproduce the basic rheological properties of cells on times scales greater than ~ 0.1s (Sandersius and Newman 2008). We are developing new modules for ScEM, building on the basic biomechanical foundation of the model. In particular, we are modeling active cell dynamics (e.g. polarization, cytoskeletal rearrangement) in order to capture important features of cell movement within tissue. I will discuss our recent work on adding layers of active cell behavior to the underlying model of cell mechanics, and how this has enabled us to describe gross cell deformations under applied stress, as well as fluid-like motions which are commonly seen in embryonic epithelia. I will also address the challenges in applying this methodology to modeling multicellular systems relevant to cancer progression.
Hosted by Center for Applied Molecular Medicine. For additional information, contact: glenda.redfield@med.usc.edu or 323-442-3849. Pizza and beverages will be provided at 11:45 a.m.

Host: Center for Applied Molecular Medicine

Location: May Ormerod Harris Hall, Quinn Wing & Fisher Gallery (HAR) - -kness Auditorium IGM

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Glenda Redfield