PhD project: Statistical physics of dividing and differentiating stem cell populations
Project description
In biological physics, the dynamics of cell populations can be modelled as a stochastic process similar to chemical reactions. In such models, individual cells typically choose stochastically when to divide and what specialised cell types to differentiate into. So far most stochastic models of stem cell fate choice exclude cell-cell interactions and feedback, which are likely important to regulate the emergent distribution of cell types. In biology, the mechanisms underlying differentiation of cells in the embryo are incompletely understood, and attempts at targeted differentiation of cells in culture suffer from low efficiency and insufficient control. Thus, a more quantitative understanding has the potential to contribute to improvements in healthcare, such as regenerative medicine.
A project could start by building on our preliminary efforts and extend these, for example to incorporate spatial interactions, different lineage hierarchies, or feedback circuits, and generate experimentally testable predictions. A successful candidate would have opportunity to interact with a network of active collaboration with biologists and mathematicians in Edinburgh and the UK.
Project supervisors
- Professor Richard Blythe (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
- Dr Linus Schumacher (MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisors welcome informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Physics of Living Matter.
- Find out more about Statistical Physics and Complexity.
- Find out more about the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.
More PhD projects
- Browse other Physics of Living Matter projects.
- Browse other Statistical Physics and Complexity projects.
- Browse other Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems projects.
- Browse all PhD research opportunities in the School of Physics & Astronomy.
- Browse PhD research opportunities elsewhere in the University of Edinburgh.