This is a past event
Interdisciplinary Seminar by Dr Rodrigo García (University of Edinburgh).
Topic: Integrating Experimental and Computational Approaches to Understand Stem Cell Regulation Strategies.
Maintaining and regenerating adult tissues requires precise regulation of stem cell numbers, proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to stem cell exhaustion or uncontrolled overgrowth, yet the mechanisms coordinating these regulatory strategies remain unclear. Recent findings in the Drosophila testes show that prior to differentiation, somatic stem cells transition to a state that licenses them to differentiate upon receiving a commitment signal, but remain capable of fully regaining stem cell function.
In this talk, I will present a joint project between the Amoyel lab (UCL) and the Schumacher group (UoE), combining experimental approaches and mathematical modelling to investigate the role of licensing in stem cell homeostasis and regeneration. Using measurements of stem cell numbers via fluorescent reporters, we developed a mathematical model to track the number of licensed and unlicensed stem cells over time. Our analysis revealed that while licensing provides robustness in homeostasis and facilitates regeneration, additional regulatory mechanisms are required. Inspired by these findings, we refined the model to incorporate competition for niche access, which not only explained homeostatic dynamics but also predicted the recovery dynamics of the stem cell pool after perturbations. These predictions were validated experimentally by manipulating nutrient conditions in Drosophila and tracking stem cell pool dynamics, showing excellent agreement with the model.
This collaboration highlights the power of combining experimental and computational approaches to uncover mechanisms of stem cell regulation. Experimental methodologies dissect systems to identify their core components and responses to perturbations, while mathematical modelling synthesizes these findings into a unified framework, generating predictions and guiding the design of future experiments. Together, these approaches provide new insights into tissue homeostasis and regenerative biology.
- Speaker
- Dr Rodrigo García
- Venue
- Meston 311