I will introduce two mathematical studies for biological
phenomena in molecular and behavior levels.
(1) Detecting thermotactic properties from movie data
The nematode C. e.elegans show an intelligent behavior of thermotaxis
by sensorimotor integration. Using technology of video analysis, we
traced amounts of paths of worms on thermal gradient to get the
high-precision data. Analyzing the data statistically, we clarify the
detailed strategy of worms in thermotactic behavior. The results
revealed that the worms on thermal gradients switch two different
strategies depending on temperature zone. It suggests the internal
mechanisms of information processing of the worms. This study is
collaboration work with Drs. Mori and Kuhara in Nagoya University.
(2) Mathematical modeling for gene expression of vertebrate segmentation
Segmentation in vertebrate PSM (presomitic mesoderm) is established by
the series of pattern formation in different levels. Some genes in
downstream level suppress the activity of upstream genes. The negative
feedback seems to realize transient patterning. We developed two
different mathematical models, where the negative-regulator genes are
different. We found that the previously believed regulation cannot
explain the mutant expression patterns, but the newly proposed model
can do. The mathematical model gave an integrative understanding and a
working hypothesis for the regulatory network system including many
genes. This study is collaboration work with Drs. Takada and Takahashi
in National Institute for Basic Biology.
|