Data-driven integration and modeling of cellular processes in cell motility and cancer progression: Experiments and mathematical models

Organizers:

Yangjin Kim (Brown University and Konkuk University), Magdalena Stolarska at University of St. Thomas

Description:

Cell motility is a crucial step in metastasis and other detrimental processes in cancer such as cell infiltration in glioblastoma. Cancer is a complex, multiscale process, in which genetic mutations occurring at a sub-cellular level manifest themselves as functional changes at the cellular and tissue scale. Because cell motility plays a large role in cancer regulation, understanding the interactions of individual cells with the tumor microenvironment would provide a foundation to generate new strategies in cancer treatments. In particular, understanding the effect of the microenvironment on the signal transduction pathways of individual cells can improve cancer therapies by allowing one to target the specific biochemical pathways that are associated with the disease. Therefore, the main aim of this session is to discuss recent advances and challenges in modelling cell motility, tumor growth, and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Specific goals of the session include: (i) analyzing both computational and analytical solutions to mathematical models of tumor growth and its interaction with the microenvironment, (ii) improving our biochemical/biomechanical understanding of fundamental mechanism of cell motility in the context of cancer progression, and (iii) comparing experimental data and projecting new experimental ideas that allow us to better understand cellular processes that lead to the design of data-driven platforms for clinical diagnosis.

Diversity Statement:

We are committed to diversity, and recognize the barriers faced by women and other minorities in engaging in mathematical biology and these special sessions by bringing balanced representation of richness in diversity. Among 8 speakers, we have four female speakers (Padmini Rangamani, Magda Stolarska, Ji Young Yoo, Alexandra Shyntar) and have three speakers from diverse racial minority communities (Rangamani, Yoo, Lee).