AI@JSI Seminar - Marko Šoštar: Modeling Rac1 Dynamics: Insights into Cellular Movement and Internal Mechanics

by Dr Marko Šoštar (Jožef Stefan Insitute)

Thursday 14 Nov 2024, 13:00 → 14:00 Europe/Ljubljana

A/1-106 - Seminarska soba fizike (F5) (Jamova)

We kindly invite you to the next AI@JSI seminar, which will take place on Thursday, 14. 11. 2024, at 13:00. Please note that, exceptionally, this seminar will be held in the physics seminar room (Jamova 39, room A/1-106)). You are cordially invited to attend it in person, but remote attendance will also be possible via zoom (https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79055582790?pwd=zuc3RsogHj0Gex43ilMEx8TOiETGxp.1). The details on the lecture and lecturer are given below. We are very much looking forward to meeting you at the seminar.

Title: Modeling Rac1 Dynamics: Insights into Cellular Movement and Internal Mechanics

Abstract: Why do patterns emerge in nature, and what do they reveal about underlying processes? From the stripes on a zebra to waves in the ocean, patterns offer insight into complex systems. In our study, we explore how single-celled amoebae generate dynamic patterns of a protein called Rac1, which controls cell movement. Through mathematical modeling and experiments, we analyze how Rac1 switches on and off along the cell membrane to create waves and oscillations. These patterns not only help us understand how cells navigate their environment but also reveal the internal reaction networks that drive cellular behavior. 
This talk will introduce the basics of cell motility, our modeling methods, and the role of randomness, or "noise," in pattern formation. We’ll also look ahead to future work involving a systematic search through model space using equation discovery methods.

Lecturer: Dr. Marko Šoštar was born in Zagreb, Croatia, where he completed both his master’s and PhD degrees. He is currently employed at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, focusing on the mathematical modeling of cellular dynamics, specifically examining how intracellular proteins coordinate to control cell movement. Recently, he joined the Jožef Stefan Institute on a one-year postdoctoral position to advance his expertise in automated equation discovery, aiming to apply these techniques to deepen our understanding of complex reaction networks that drive cellular behavior.