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Physical models of the living cell: aggregation and separation of molecular factors on lipid membranes
keywords LIVING MATTER, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, PHYSICAL ENGINEERING, PHYSICS, STATISTICAL MECHANICS
Reference persons LUCA DALL'ASTA, ANDREA ANTONIO GAMBA
Research Groups AA - Statistical Physics and Interdisciplinary Applications
Description Living cells are self-reproducing structures made of proteins, lipids and sugars. In higher organisms (eukaryotes) a fundamental structural role is played by the lipid membranes that surround the cytosol, nucleus, and many organelles performing the most diverse vital functions. How does the same basic structure (the lipid membrane) specialize to perform such different functions? Research in Biology has recently shown that cell membranes spontaneously separate into regions enriched in specific molecular factors, that can be visualized as "colors" associated to areas destined to perform specific functions. The code underlying this complex process is still largely unknown.
The thesis/training activity consists of developing a model of the physical process of aggregation and separation of molecular factors that allows the lipid membrane to self-organize in regions with specific functional destinies. The model will be studied with both mathematical techniques and simulation algorithms.
See also zct+15.pdf http://porto.polito.it/2591775/1/ZCT_15.pdf
Required skills Good physico-mathematical background and programming skills are required.
Notes Possibility of internship at IIGM (https://www.iigm.it/site/).
Deadline 13/03/2023
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA