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Slow-Fast Systems in Cellular Biology

Objective

Mathematical modelling has emerged as an important tool to handle the structural complexity of cellular processes and to gain better understanding of their functioning and dynamics. We propose to develop methods for the mathematical analysis of ODE models arising in cell biology. We focus on models of great biomedical importance, i.e. cell division cycle, NF-kB signalling pathway, and the p53 system. Pertinent mathematical questions of biological interest are: existence and stability of equilibria, periodic oscillations, switching phenomena, and bifurcations.

Often the analysis of such models relies heavily on computational approaches but qualitative analysis is also very important. Detailed models of individual pathways or the cell division cycle are too large for theoretical analysis. However, there is evidence from simulations that often only a small or moderate number of components of a large systems play essential roles, while other parts have almost negligible roles. This allows the systematic use of perturbation methods. In particular slow-fast dynamical systems, i.e. systems with solutions varying on very different timescales are abundant in biology in general and in cellular biology in particular.

The approach in this project relies strongly on novel dynamical systems methods for systems with multiple time scale dynamics, known as geometric singular perturbation theory (GSPT). Interestingly, the models under investigation do not have the standard form covered by the existing theory. Due to these difficulties GSPT has not been applied systematically in this area. An extended version of GSPT - using hierarchies of local approximations - will be developed for the specific models. The project will lead to better understanding of cell-cyle and signaling pathway models.

These issues and the methods to resolve them are of great importance also for other models in cellular biology and also for slow-fast dynamical systems in general.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 178 156,80
Address
KARLSPLATZ 13
1040 Wien
Austria

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Region
Ostösterreich Wien Wien
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 178 156,80
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