CAREER: Quantitative Analysis of Morphogen Gradients in Developing Tissues

本研究旨在以表皮生长因子受体（EGFR）为模型网络，以果蝇为模型生物，研究细胞通讯和组织发育的基本机制。通过数学建模、基因实验和基因组分析，首席研究员将量化体内EGFR激活的空间梯度，表征全基因组对该梯度的转录反应，并分析其如何被反馈回路调节。这类工作通常旨在阐明生物系统如何利用化学和物理信号构建有序结构。该工作可用于胚胎发育和组织再生。开设“生物设计模式”本科创新课程。本课程将涵盖关键的工程概念（例如，反馈，冗余，鲁棒性）如何在生物和更传统的化学和电气系统中体现出来。还将与波多黎各大学马亚圭斯分校建立交流项目。

0448919Shvartsman The proposed work aims to examine the fundamental mechanisms of cell communication and tissue development using the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a model network and Drosophila as the model organism. Using mathematical modeling, genetic experiments, and genomic analyses, the Principal Investigator will quantify the spatial gradient of EGFR activation in vivo, characterize the genome-wide transcriptional response to this gradient, and analyze how it is modulated by feedback loops. Such work generally aims at elucidating how biological systems construct ordered structures using chemical and physical signals. The work is applicable to embryo development and tissue regeneration. An innovative undergraduate course entitled "Patterns of Biological Design" will be developed. This course will cover how key engineering concepts (e.g., feedback, redundancy, robustness) manifest in biological and more traditional chemical and electrical systems. An exchange program with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez will also be established.