Integrative modelling of morphogenetic epithelial patterning and polarity

从受精卵到成年动物的发育科学不仅从基础科学的角度来看很重要，而且因为它对我们理解癌症等疾病有很大帮助。即使是不起眼的果蝇的生长发育也能告诉我们很多关于人类生物学的信息。数学建模越来越被视为一种有价值的工具，帮助我们理解生物学中出现的复杂问题。该项目将使用一系列数学模型和技术来研究细胞之间的交流，这对动物的发育至关重要。一组相互关联的数学模型将描述细胞将自己组织成精确模式的神奇方式，就像在昆虫复眼中发现的那样。这涉及到发育中的眼睛活动波的运动，波后图案的形成，以及被称为眼基质的细胞簇的同步旋转。关于产生这种模式的最新思想的融合将提供一个清晰的建模框架，可以区分各种机制。David Strutt博士（谢菲尔德大学发育遗传学系）将以其在组织模式生物学方面的丰富专业知识支持这项工作。该项目将开发一些简单的模型，这些模型可以提供洞察力，并且在数学上易于管理，以及基于潜在生物学细节的更复杂的计算机模型。这项工作需要使用各种强大的数学技术对波浪和模式形成进行分析。该项目还将帮助培训下一代科学家跨越学科之间的传统界限开展工作。

The science of animal development from a fertilised egg to an adult is not just important from a fundamental scientific point of view, but also because it has much to offer for our understanding of diseases such as cancer. Even the growth and development of the humble fruit fly has much to tell us about human biology. Mathematical modelling is increasingly seen as a valuable tool to help us understand the complex issues that arise in biology. This project will use a range of mathematical models and techniques to study the communication between cells that is essential for animal development.A linked set of mathematical models will describe the amazing way that cells can organise themselves into precise patterns like those found in the compound eye of insects. This involves the movement of a wave of activity across the developing eye, the formation of patterns behind that wave, and the synchronised rotation of clusters of cells called ommatidia. A fusion of the latest ideas on the generation of such patterns will provide a clear modelling framework that can distinguish between various mechanisms. Dr David Strutt (Department of Developmental Genetics, University of Sheffield) will support this work with his considerable expertise in the biology of tissue patterning. The project will develop simple models that give insight and are mathematically manageable, and more complex computer models based on details of the underlying biology. The work will require the analysis of waves and pattern formation, using a variety of powerful mathematical techniques. The project will also help to train the next generation of scientists to work across the traditional boundaries between disciplines.