Mathematical Study on Cell Polarization and Morphological Regulation

Cell polarity refers to spatial differences in the shape and structure of cells; cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division and is related to the regulation of cell shape change. Cell polarity coupled with the regulation of cell shape change leads to the generation of diverse cell types playing different roles in biological processes. In human beings, disruption of cell polarity or cytokinesis is usually a hallmark of abnormal cell differentiation and cancer. Thus, regulation controls of cell polarity and cytokinesis are important for normal cell development. However, the fundamental mechanisms for achieving cell polarity, cell shape change and cytokinesis remain controversial.In this project, we aim to study cell polarization processes through modeling the system of cell polarization proteins in budding yeast. We propose to build a mathematical model which includes both positive and negative feedback loops, observed in experimental data. Through analyzing the model, we will understand how the positive and negative regulations contribute on robust cell polarization. By extending the model to a moving boundary system, we will be able to study the interplay between cell polarization regulation and the control of cell shape change. The long-term aim of this study is to extend our understanding for the cause of abnormal cell development and provide us a potential treatment for clinical studies.