Physical principles of cell migration in confining and structured environments (B12)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2016 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 201269156

Cells migrating in physiological contexts face a common physical challenge: both in two- and three-dimensional systems cells migrate through complex confining environments. However, a conceptual framework for confined migration still remains elusive. We employ a data-driven theoretical approach to infer the stochastic dynamics of cell movement, morphology and interaction of cells confined in micropatterns and fibrous tissue. Thus, in this project we develop novel quantitative methods with which the stochastic dynamics of cells can be inferred, analyzed, and interpreted. In collaboration with various groups in the SFB, we combine these data-driven methods with physical modelling to elucidate how the system-level nonlinear dynamics of confined cells emerges from their internal dynamics, and how these dynamics can be controlled by nano- and micron-scaled perturbations.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1032: Nanoagents for Spatio-temporal Control of Molecular and Cellular Reactions
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Chase Broedersz