Prof. Dr. Jens Timmer (CIBSS-PI), Institute of Physics (Faculty of Physics and Mathematics), University of Freiburg
We apply mathematical modelling based on differential equation to understand the dynamics of signalling pathways. Together with the Weber and the Hugel group, we investigate phase separation concerning its consequences for transcriptional activity and nucleation process of cluster formation. With the Jessen group, we analyse the dynamics of pyrophosphates, especially the cycle from inisotol pyrophosphate-6 (InsP6) to 1-InsP7 via 5-InsP7 to InsP8. With the Ehl group, we investigate the effect of the N642H mutation of STAT5b which is an important driver mutation in T cell leukemia. With the Driever group, we model the Notch-dependent behaviour of Her6 in early neural development in zebrafish. With the Schamel group, we investigate how temporal patternsof ligand bindingare integrated and how they impact the long-lasting differentiation programe of T cells. With the Onichtchouk group, we model Zygotic Genome Activation in zebrafish embryoswhich relies on Pou5f3, Sox19b and Nanog., homologs of mammalian pluripotency transcription factors, Last, not least, with the Grimbacher group, we will investigate the effects of haploinsufficiency mutations in the NF-κB signalling network leading to an immune dysregulation syndrom in humans. The final goal is to derive a patient individual treatment whether to block or augment NF-κB signaling in a patient with a given mutation.