| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R68146/01 |
| Title: |
Cell communication through intercellular calcium waves during morphogenesis |
| Principal Investigator: |
Chapman, Professor SJ |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Mathematical Institute |
| Organisation: |
University of Oxford |
| Scheme: |
Fast Stream |
| Starts: |
01 January 2003 |
Ends: |
31 January 2005 |
Value (£): |
58,487
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Cells |
Continuum Mechanics |
| Non-linear Systems Mathematics |
Numerical Analysis |
| Theoretical biology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Convergent-extension is the name given to a category of morphogenic events in which a tissue distorts by means of integrated interaction among its cells rather than interaction with external substrates. Little is known of the cellular, molecular and biomechanical mechanisms of these cell movements, even though they play a dramatic role in shaping embryonic body forms in many systems. Recent experiments have shown that convergent-extension is accompanied by intercellular waves of calcium. Chemical blocking of the calcium waves inhibits convergent-extension, suggesting that calcium signalling plays a direct role in the coordination of cell movements.The mechanism for the propagation of these calcium waves is unknown, although there are several candidates which have been proposed for calcium waves in other scenarios. The proposed research aims to formulate a mathematical model involving both chemical diffusion and mechanical forces and interactions, to determine which mechanisms are consistent with the experimental observations. Computer simulations of the model will then be used to suggest key new experiments which will be able to distinguish clearly between the different propagation mechanisms.Once the question of how the calcium waves propagate has been solved, the larger question of how and why they are initiated can be addressed.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ox.ac.uk |