TopicPhysics of Life

cellular dynamics

Latest

SeminarPhysics of LifeRecording

Reconstruct cellular dynamics from single cell data

Weikang Wang
Pittsburgh
Dec 6, 2021

Recent advances of single cell techniques catalyzed quantitative studies on the dynamics of cell phenotypic transitions (CPT) emerging as a new field. However, fixed cell-based approaches have fundamental limits on revealing temporal information, and fluorescence-based live cell imaging approaches are technically challenging for multiplex long-term imaging. To tackle the challenges, we developed an integrated experimental/computational platform for reconstructing single cell phenotypic transition dynamics. Experimentally, we developed a live-cell imaging platform to record the phenotypic transition path of A549 VIM-RFP reporter cell line and unveil parallel paths of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Computationally, we modified a finite temperature string method to reconstruct the reaction coordinate from the paths, and reconstruct a corresponding quasi-potential, which reveals that the EMT process resembles a barrier-less relaxation process. Our work demonstrates the necessity of extracting dynamical information of phenotypic transitions and the existence of a unified theoretical framework describing transition and relaxation dynamics in systems with and without detailed balance.

SeminarPhysics of Life

Keynote talk: Imaging Interacting Organelles to Understand Metabolic Homeostasis

Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz
HHMI Janelia Research Campus – Leesburg VA – USA
Jul 29, 2020

Powerful new ways to image the internal structures and complex dynamics of cells are revolutionizing cell biology and bio-medical research. In this talk, I will focus on how emerging fluorescent technologies are increasing spatio-temporal resolution dramatically, permitting simultaneous multispectral imaging of multiple cellular components. In addition, results will be discussed from whole cell milling using Focused Ion Beam Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM), which reconstructs the entire cell volume at 4 voxel resolution. Using these tools, it is now possible to begin constructing an “organelle interactome”, describing the interrelationships of different cellular organelles as they carry out critical functions. The same tools are also revealing new properties of organelles and their trafficking pathways, and how disruptions of their normal functions due to genetic mutations may contribute to important diseases.

cellular dynamics coverage

2 items

Seminar2

Share your knowledge

Know something about cellular dynamics? Help the community by contributing seminars, talks, or research.

Contribute content
Domain spotlight

Explore how cellular dynamics research is advancing inside Physics of Life.

Visit domain

Cookies

We use essential cookies to run the site. Analytics cookies are optional and help us improve World Wide. Learn more.