Professor Peter Jung
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Ohio University
Athens, OH

Monday, February 28, 2005
3:00 pm (CT)
3269 Beckman Institute

Abstract

Ion channels are often organized in clusters. While the mechanism of clustering is not well understood, computational modeling suggests that signaling benefits from clustering. This is exemplified for intracellular calcium signaling which is particularly amenable for mathematical models since detailed knowledge on calcium channels individually and in clusters exists. The lecture describes stochastic modeling of calcium signaling through single clusters and points out some interesting phenomena genuine for clusters with few channels. The lecture describes then a spatially explicit model where clusters are coupled through diffusion of calcium. Configurations of channels are discussed that lead to a maximal whole-cell calcium response upon binding of a small amount of agonist. Such a whole-cell response can be essential for regulation of downstream events such as gene regulation or release of other signaling molecules.

Tea and coffee will be served in R3151 Beckman Institute at 2:30pm.