The Mathematical Cell Biology Research Group is a truly interdisciplinary research effort that uses cutting edge mathematical technology such as chaos theory, neural networks, and artificial intelligence to explore complex biochemical systems. The overall goal of the research is to discover and characterize emergent properties of complex biochemical networks; networks that have sophisticated functionality that is only evident when the system is studied as a whole.
Specifically, we are studying intracellular signal transduction as a mathematically complex system. Using the logical form of neural network theory, we describe signal transduction pathways by viewing each component as having either an "on" or "off" state based on the on/off state of the other components in the network. We are then able to simulate signal transduction on a computer and explore the mathematical properties of chaos, complexity, and order in the system using both analytical and numerical techniques.
Photo of the current members of the group (from February 2008) is available here.
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