Cell Signaling Dynamics
Research projects
1. Systems Biology of TGF-β Signaling Dynamics
Funding: BMBF e:Bio - Modul III - Nachwuchsgruppe: SyBioT, 2014-2019
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is one of the most important signaling events as it regulates many cellular responses including cell proliferation, migration, and death. It is well known that TGF-β has different roles in the regulation of cell proliferation depending on the specific cellular context. This observation raises an important question: how the same TGF-β signal can induce very different signaling responses in different cellular contexts? Solving this question is crucial to understanding many dysfunctions of TGF-β signaling. To address this question, we use a systems biology approach to investigate spatial and temporal dynamics of TGF-β signaling in different cell types and in single cells. We apply quantitative experimental approaches and develop mathematical models to understand the molecular mechanisms by which TGF-β controls different cellular responses depending on specific cellular contexts.
2. Systems analysis of the adaptation in TGF-β signaling
Funding: DFG Research Training Group, CSB - Computational Systems Biology, 2015-2019
3. The control of TGF-β signaling with optogenetics approach
The invention of optogenetics provides excellent tools to control cell signal activation with light. We are using synthetic biology approaches to establish optogenetics systems to activate TGF-β pathway with light.
