Modelling cell choice in development and disease

This project involves the development and analysis of original mathematical models addressing mechanoregulation in biological tissues and its impact on the early stages of cancer progression. Working with collaborators (Dr Sarah Woolner & Dr Kerrie Marie in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester), the project will target the properties and behaviour of mammalian neural crest cells. These migratory and multipotent cells can develop into melanocytes, pigment-producing cells that are susceptible to transformation into the skin cancer melanoma. Exploiting data from the Woolner and Marie labs revealing cell-shape changes in mouse melanocyte precursor tissues under mechanical loading, the project will use mathematical and computational models to address the relationship of such changes to lineage progression in early tumour formation.