The understanding of the signaling network involved in eukaryotic chemotaxis is far from complete. The goal of the proposed research is to use the tools of control engineering and dynamical systems theory to model the regulatory network controlling eukaryotic chemotaxis. Specifically, in this research we propose to 1. Investigate the role that conflicting chemoattractant gradients have on cell polarity. Ascertain the robustness properties of this signaling mechanism.
Eukaryotic chemotaxis is a fascinating biological phenomenon.
A thorough understanding will represent a huge step forward in our knowledge of one of the basic properties of life, ie. Purposeful movement, and enable a logical approach to the treatment of many devastating human diseases that result when this process fails. Because of recent advances in the understanding of the biochemistry regulating chemotaxis in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum , this signaling network serves as a particularly timely candidate for mathematical and computational modeling and an ideal model organism for discovering how cells sense and respond to directional external stimuli. Moreover, the similarity of the chemotactic responses in mammalian cells to those of Dictyostelium ensure that the proposed research will have far reaching impact beyond this organism.