On March 19, 2009 Daniel Lew will be leading a discussion on Modeling Cell Polarity in Yeast: Symmetry Breaking, Singularity, and Chemotropism.

Location: 4219 French Family Science Center

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Abstract: Mathematical modelers and biologists have long addressed problems of pattern formation and directed cell migration in parallel, largely non-interacting, efforts. In recent years, advances in knowledge and technology enabled the formation of more realistic models, deepening the interactions between the two groups. We are experimentalists studying the process of cell polarization in yeast. Due to their unparalleled genetic tractability, yeast were instrumental in identifying the molecular players critical for polarity establishment, and they allow facile manipulation of protein concentrations and activities. We see partners with physics, mathematics, and/or computational expertise to address a variety of questions (e.g. Why do polarized cells develop one and only one front? How do cells navigate accurately in shallow noisy gradients?). The seminar will present some basic background on yeast polarity and showcase recent movies from the lab as well as relevant ODE, stochastic, and PDE models of yeast polarization.