Description:

Zoom Link: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/84907159401?pwd=JboBtq30vntVuEpj8s3yYfAdwlb258.1

Title: Mathematical Modeling of Collective Cell Migration in Drosophila Egg Development

Abstract:  Collective cell migration is a fundamental process in development, homeostasis, and disease, yet its regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. While single-cell motility has been extensively studied, the coordinated movement of cell clusters in crowded, heterogeneous environments is less well-characterized. Here, we combine mechanistic modeling and phase-field simulations to investigate the migration of the border cell cluster within the Drosophila melanogaster egg chamber. Our framework integrates mechanical and chemical interactions between the cluster, surrounding nurse cells, and the oocyte, incorporating a novel Tangential Interface Migration (TIM) force to capture contact-mediated propulsion. The phase-field formulation enables the simulation of complex topological changes, volume constraints, and the influence of extracellular geometry. By coupling this representation with chemoattractant diffusion and receptor-mediated signaling, we demonstrate that extracellular space geometry and chemoattractant distribution jointly determine migration trajectories, speed, and cohesion. 

The Midwest Mathematical Biology Seminar will be a series of virtual talks on mathematical biology featuring speakers from the Midwest region and beyond. All areas of mathematical biology will be represented in the seminar series, and a goal for this seminar is to build connections and foster research collaborations.

More information: https://sites.google.com/view/midwest-mathbio-seminar/home