VPW: Mathematical Analysis of the Early Events in Cell Signaling

这项研究利用数学和统计学的方法，结合两个细胞生物学实验室的实验工作，阐明细胞对细胞外“信号”分子的第一反应。激素、细胞因子、免疫复合体和抗原都通过与特定细胞表面的“受体”相互作用来启动细胞反应。不同的系统在细胞信号中有两个共同的初始事件，这个项目涉及的是细胞表面受体的聚集，随后是受体和非受体蛋白上酪氨酸的磷酸化。第一个合作通过分析电子显微镜图像上的分子点模式来研究受体聚集的机制和效应。第二个合作集中在聚集的受体介导酪氨酸磷酸化的机制上。提出的模型似乎与之前获得的数据一致，并做出了更多可检验的预测。互动活动包括：教授“生物和化学中的随机模型”研究生课程，组织从事数学生物学、生物统计学、生物物理学和相关科学研究项目的妇女的特别访问。旨在促进学生与参观者互动的活动包括参观前的准备研讨会、作为每次参观的一部分的以学生为中心的讲座，以及学生与参观者之间的有组织的讨论。

This research uses methods of mathematics and statistics, in conjunction with experimental work in two cell biology laboratories, to clarify the first responses of cells to extracellular "signaling" molecules. Hormones, cytokines, immune complexes and antigens all initiate cellular responses through interactions with specific cell surface "receptors." Diverse systems have in common the two initial events in cell signaling that this project addresses, the aggregation of cell surface receptors, followed by the phosphorylation of tyrosine on receptors and non-receptor proteins. The first collaboration investigates mechanisms and effects of receptor aggregation through the analysis of molecular point patterns on electron microscope images. The second collaboration focusses on mechanisms by which aggregated receptors mediate tyrosine phosphorylation. A proposed model appears to be consistent with previously obtained data and makes additional testable predictions. Interactive activities include: teaching a graduate course on "Stochastic Models in Biology and Chemistry," and organizing special visits of women with active research programs in Mathematical Biology, Biostatistics, Biophysics, and related sciences. Activities aimed at fostering interactions of students with the visitors include preparatory seminars preceding the visits, a student-oriented talk as part of each visit, and organized discussions between students and visitors.