Mathematics Graduate Student Colloquium

MGSC Website: http://math.uci.edu/~mgsc/

Cellular control networks and their stability against mutations

Lora Weiss
Monday, December 4, 2017
5:00 pm - 5:50 pm
RH306

Talk Abstract:

Cellular tissue consists of stem cells and a hierarchy of more differentiated cells. It is constantly in flux, with differentiated cells dying, and stem cells replenishing the removed cells. In order to maintain constant size, cellular processes must be regulated by control networks of intra-cellular signaling. Here we introduce models of control networks and analyze their robustness against cancerous mutations. Beginning with a stable cellular network, we investigate consequences of different types of mutations, and in particular, which mutations cause a stable network to fail. Relevant to the theory of cancer, these network failures may lead to unlimited growth of mutant cell populations. Our analysis reveals that only specific mutations may cause a stable network to fail.

About the Speaker:

Lora Weiss is a fourth year PhD student studying mathematical biology relevant to the onset of cancer.

Refreshments:

Pizza will be served after the talk.