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Predictive Modeling of Pattern Formation Driven by Synthetic Gene Networks

Award Number: R01GM131405
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2018
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2024

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Predictive Modeling of Pattern Formation Driven by Synthetic Gene Networks - While natural phenomena may often appear to be complex and hence difficult to predict, in between those seemingly chaotic events, there can be moments of strikingly beautiful patterns and forms. In certain sense, synthetic biology is about identifying and reproducing these patterns and mathematics is about describing and understanding the mechanisms behind their formations. Although spatial patterns are ubiquitous in living organisms, the task of identifying the underlying mechanisms can be daunting due to the overwhelming complexity of living cells and organisms. Indeed, the study of natural patterns dates back to many centuries in the past. In this proposal, the team proposes to combine gene circuit engineering and mathematical analysis to advance our understanding of reaction-diffusion (RD) based biological pattern formation. Specifically, there are three main objectives the team hopes to achieve in the proposed research: Aim 1, Experimentally and mathematically characterize RD based cellular pattern formation driven by rationally designed gene circuits. Aim 2, Investigate implications of nutrient limitation on pattern formation. Aim 3, Engineering and testing of pattern formation of interacting populations. Specifically, the team proposes to engineer a set of gene circuits to direct bacterial cells to form self-organized patterns without predefined spatial cues. The role of network topology, nonlinearity, gene expression stochasticity, and environmental signals in contributions to observed spatially structured patterns will be examined. To this end, this interdisciplinary team plans to mechanistically formulate a series of plausible RD models that accurately describe gene regulation, protein production, quorum sensing, and dispersion driven by synthetic circuits. Moreover, the team plans to develop appropriate experimental, computational, and mathematical tools based on the single-cell agarose pad platform that shall allow us to quantitatively and experimentally probe the fundamental mechanisms of spatial patterns formation across molecular, single-cell, and colony scales.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = -$16,137 )
2025	2021	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	1475 N SCOTTSDALE RD STE 200	SCOTTSDALE	AZ	85257	MARICOPA	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	4	3/6/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$16,137
														Subtotal = -$16,137

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2023	2021	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	660 S MILL AVENUE STE 204	TEMPE	AZ	85281	MARICOPA	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	4	6/29/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $365,000 )
2021	2021	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	660 S MILL AVE STE 312	TEMPE	AZ	85281	MARICOPA	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	4	7/9/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$365,000
														Subtotal = $365,000

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $365,000 )
2020	2020	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	660 S MILL AVE STE 312	TEMPE	AZ	85281	MARICOPA	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	3	6/29/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$365,000
														Subtotal = $365,000

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $365,000 )
2019	2019	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	660 S MILL AVE STE 312	TEMPE	AZ	85281	MARICOPA	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	2	7/2/2019	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$365,000
														Subtotal = $365,000

Issue Date FY: 2018 ( Subtotal = $365,000 )
2018	2018	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	660 S MILL AVE STE 312	TEMPE	AZ	85281	MARICOPA	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	8/3/2018	NEW	$365,000
														Subtotal = $365,000

Grand Total All Awards = $1,443,863

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Predictive Modeling of Pattern Formation Driven by Synthetic Gene Networks

Award Number: R01GM131405

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2018

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2024

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