Research summary
Cell migration is essential for a variety of biological processes, such as immune response, the spread of cancer and the formation of an embryo. As Canada Research Chair in Theoretical and Computational Biology, Dr. Anotida Madzvamuse is trying to formulate predictive mechano-biochemical models for single cells that migrate through complex, deforming (shape- or structure-changing) 2D and 3D environments.
He and his research team are using a new mathematical approach (known as bulk-surface extracellular partial differential equations) to couple mechanical properties with biochemical processes. This approach will enable them to study how this coupling affects three continuously evolving domains (the nucleus, cytosol and extracellular matrix) and their energetic manifolds (nuclear and plasma membranes). Along with carrying out mathematical analysis, statistical parameter inference, and experimental validation, he and his team are developing software to help translate basic research findings into practical applications in clinical or real-world settings.