Mathematical Studies of Excitability in Physiological Systems

研究人员开发和使用数学模型和工具来研究围绕兴奋性和波传播这一主题组织的各种生理学问题。这项工作的三个主要相互关联的推动力是：1)开发可用于描述特定生理现象的数学模型；2)开发分析技术、数值算法和计算工具来研究模型方程；3)使用分析和数值工具来理解这些系统的行为，从而更好地理解潜在的生理过程。生理学问题来自四个特定的领域：1)心脏病学和纤颤发作和除颤的问题；2)心肌细胞中的钙动力学和兴奋-收缩耦合；3)微管网络在细胞内化学物质运输中的作用；4)细菌在化学反应中的参与和空间传播，如尾矿场、水处理厂、漏油等。贯穿这项工作的共同主线是化学信号是运动的基础，这项工作旨在了解化学信号是如何产生、控制的，以及它们如何调节运动。这样的理解是朝着解决几个与健康和环境有关的重要问题迈出的关键的第一步。具体地说，对心跳以及心跳如何和为什么不跳的了解有所提高，可以为如何预防或治疗一些危险的心脏疾病提供新的线索。同样，对细菌(和其他活细胞)如何移动和调节它们的运动的更好的理解可以导致对有毒化学废物的有机控制。

Keener9970086 The investigator develops and uses mathematical models andtools to study a variety of problems in physiology organizedaround the theme of excitability and wave propagation. The threemain interconnected thrusts for this work are: 1) to developmathematical models that can be used to describe specificphysiological phenomena; 2) to develop analytical techniques,numerical algorithms, and computational tools to study the modelequations; 3) to use analytical and numerical tools to understandthe behavior of these systems and to thereby better understandthe underlying physiological processes. The physiologicalproblems are drawn from four specific areas: 1) cardiology andthe problems of fibrillation onset and defibrillation; 2) calciumdynamics and excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac cells; 3)the role of microtubule networks in the transport of chemicalsthroughout a cell; 4) the involvement and spatial spread ofbacteria in chemical reactions, such as mine tailings dumps,water treatment plants, oil spills, etc. The common thread running through this work is that chemicalsignals underlie motion, and this work is directed toward anunderstanding of how chemical signals are generated, controlled,and how they mediate motion. Such an understanding is a crucialfirst step toward solving several important health-related andenvironmentally related problems. Specifically, an improvedunderstanding of the heartbeat and how and why it fails couldgive new clues as to how to prevent or cure some dangerouscardiac disorders. Similarly, an improved understanding of howbacteria (and other living cells) move and regulate their motioncould lead to improved organic control of toxic chemical wastes.