Modeling and analyzing mechanisms that generate oscillations and waves in cells and neurons

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This research is aimed at modeling and analyzing biological mechanisms that generate oscillations, waves and other interesting patterns. Hormone secreting neurons and cells are the main focus of this research. Hormones are chemicals that are highly potent in low quantity that control almost all aspects of life. The blood level of a hormone typically exhibits a variety of rhythms. Hypothalamus in the brain is the center of origin of most hormonal rhythms. To understand hypothalamic rhythmogenesis, we need to understand many aspects of hypothalamic neurons, ranging from electrical membrane activities to signaling of second messengers including calcium and other chemicals. The best known example is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that is released in pulses with a period of about one hour. This signal is necessary for maintaining normal reproductive functions in both male and female. The absence or abnormality of this rhythm underlies multiple reproductive and developmental diseases. This investigator's whole research career has been centered around and motivated by this system. Important progress has been made recently in understanding the mechanism of the GnRH pulse generator. It motivated us to develop mathematical models of this pulse generator. This system and some related systems will be the main focus of this proposed research.