Cell and tissue mechanobiology and computational biomechanics

Mechanics plays a prominent role in fundamental biological processes at the level of individual cells and of groups of cells forming tissues, as well as in larger scale process that are crucial in clinical practice. Examples include cell division, the development of embryos, the ability of adult tissues to resist stress and self-repair, or cell migration during cancer invasion. In recent years, a wealth of quantitative experiments has demonstrated a tight interaction between mechanics and biological regulation. These observations also suggest that despite the daunting molecular and structural complexity of cells and tissues, there are simple underlying principles that govern their behavior. Our goal is to use theoretical modelling and computer simulations to identify such principles. Besides recapitulating specific observations in developing embryos or in-vitro controlled systems, we aim at developing theories and simulations, which will allow us to predict and rationally manipulate living matter. Some representative scientific objectives are:

• Understanding the dynamics of bilayer membranes and their interaction with membrane proteins.
• Modelling epithelial mechanics.
• Developing mathematical models and finite element methods for coupled systems of interfacial/bulk partial differential equations.
• Developing numerical tools for inferring the forces that drive morphogenesis.
• Modelling cell migration and wound healing processes.
• Describing the smaller scales of biological tissues.
• Bridging the scale gap between the organ or organoid level and the subcellular level.
• Modelling mechanical response of devices and medical interventions for patient-specific support to medical decision making.