DMS/NIGMS 1: Multiscale modeling of Notch signaling during long-range lateral inhibition

The spatiotemporal distribution of morphogens contributes to the organized development of tissues and organs.
One model of morphogen distribution is active transport, which includes cell based mechanisms like signaling
filopodia. Signaling filopodia facilitate contact between distant cells in order to allow signaling to occur, and support
several cell signaling paradigms during development. The proposed project will use multi-scale modeling and
biological experiments to test the hypothesis that Notch signaling occurs via filopodia-filopodia mediated cell-cell
contacts in vivo. This hypothesis will be tested in three objectives. (1) Investigate the mechanism of Notch activation
on filopodia. A mechanical model of distinct modes of filopodia interactions will be used to quantify the forces
generated during filopodia mediated signaling to identify the most likely mechanism for Notch activation. (2)
Determine how Notch signal is relayed to the cell body. A mathematical model of filopodia in the presence of
diffusion and active transport of signals will be developed to quantify the relative importance of each mechanism.
We will support our model with genetic approaches and quantitative live imaging. (3) Create a multi-scale vertex
model of Notch signaling during bristle cell patterning. We will combine the above molecular and cellular submodels of Notch signaling to create a truly multi-scale vertex model of the patterning thorax. This framework will
support an in silico, real-time investigation of patterning dynamics via signaling filopodia to identify potential
molecular regulators of this process. The success of this proposal will result in a foundational understanding of the
mechanisms that drive long-range lateral inhibition during tissue patterning. We will introduce the first multi-scale
mechanical model of the fly thorax that allows for cell-driven dynamics of filopodia and real-time activation of
Notch. The experimental work proposed here addresses a major gap in our understanding of tissue development
and homeostasis: how active cell processes contribute to the distribution and activation of signals.

Grant Number: 5R01GM152810-03
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Emmanuel Asante-Asamani