Physics of biological tissues: Mechanical forces during embryonic development and disease
Supervisor: Dr. Gonca Erdemci-Tandogan
Can extend to MSc?: Yes
Project Description (Abstract):
One of the most intriguing questions in science is how complex organisms are formed from a single fertilized egg. This developmental process consists of three key stages: cell growth, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis, which together form the intricate structure of the organism. Morphogenesis involves the physical shaping of tissues and organs, during which cells are subjected to various mechanical forces such as bending, expanding, contracting, and elongating. Consequently, the principles of physics play an inevitable role in organism formation. Additionally, biological tissues exhibit characteristics of soft materials, capable of flowing and deforming, a characteristic thought to be essential for proper embryonic development. Tissue material properties can change drastically during embryonic development, reminiscent of rigidity transitions in physics. However, measuring the impact of transitions on cell behaviours or identifying how to control the transitions is challenging experimentally. To address these knowledge gaps, theoretical and computational models have emerged as powerful tools, enabling researchers to uncover the influence of tissue material properties on cell behaviour and develop hypotheses for controlling these transitions. There are numerous projects available in the group, focusing on developing computational and theoretical models to investigate the interplay between tissue material properties and cellular functions.
