A multiscale framework for biochemical reaction-diffusion processes: an open systems approach.

• Applicant: Dr. Mauricio del Razo Sarmina, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 455489234

Biochemical reaction systems in living cells constantly exchange material and energy with their environment; they consume chemical energy and dissipate heat. Namely, they operate in an open non-equilibrium setting. Furthermore, these systems are inherently multiscale. These scales are tightly coupled such that a single-point mutation in a protein can disturb the biochemical interactions at a macroscopic level. It is thus fundamental to develop a unifying theoretical and computational framework for multiscale biochemical reaction systems in open non-equilibrium settings. Developing this unifying framework is the main objective of this project. The unifying framework will provide a physical and mathematical connection between models at different scales, relating parameters and physical concepts across these scales. We plan to use these connections to develop consistent multiscale schemes and to characterize open nonequilibrium reaction-diffusion systems based on the emergence and relation of physical quantities at different scales. Throughout the project, we plan to apply our results to biochemical cell sensing modeling. Biochemical cell sensing refers to the capability of a cell to measure concentration gradients in its environment. Common examples are smell receptors and chemical synapses between neurons; they can both be triggered by environmental fluctuations of just a few molecules. As these processes operate across multiple scales and interact with open environments, our framework is ideal to model these processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Hong Qian, Ph.D.