Spatio-temporal Control of Rho Family Signaling Networks in Motility

Cell migration underlies many cellular processes, including wound healing and embryonic development. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of cell movement is a fundamental problem in cell biology. It is quite likely that common principles underlie the coordinated behavior of distinct cellular regions (e.g. front and back) during directed cell movement in various biological contexts. This project seeks to combine mathematical modeling with live-cell microscopy to discover the biochemical signaling networks that locally generate cell movement and coordinate the behavior of spatially isolated cellular regions during cell migration. Using novel experimental technology in tandem with our innovative computational tools, the PI and his team will: 1) elucidate the control mechanisms that regulate signaling through Rho GTPase network, 2) determine in which part of the cell these mechanisms operate, and 3) determine how they function as an integrated system in migrating cells.