The geometrical and physical basis of cell-like functionality

Introduction

Can systems with life-like properties be built from scratch with only a minimal set of components? While progress has been made experimentally in the development of such minimal systems, there is a lack of theoretical underpinnings that could provide mechanistic principles. My goal is to discover such principles by combining theoretical modeling and in-silico evolution to explore the potential for life-like functions of minimal systems consisting of only two core elements of cells: reaction compartments enclosed by lipid membranes (liposomes) and equipped with a protein reaction network.

Research Objectives

Towards this goal, we will develop new multi-scale approaches to investigate the mechanistic interplay between:

1. The ability of protein networks to form spatiotemporal patterns by decoding information about the membrane geometry.
2. The reshaping of the membrane through mechano-chemical feedback.

Using methods from differential geometry, we will develop projection techniques that reduce the model to the two-dimensional manifold of the membrane.

Methodology

Building on my expertise with protein pattern formation, I will design coarse-graining methods using machine learning concepts to link scales. These theories will give unprecedented insights into the relative role of:

• Reaction networks
• Membrane elasticity
• Mechanochemical feedback

in forming different types of protein patterns and membrane morphologies.

Computational Platform

Moreover, they will provide an efficient computational platform, which I will use to in-silico explore the potential of supported lipid bilayers with adhering liposomes as a platform to generate functions such as:

• Cell migration
• Cell division
• Collective cell-cell communication

Expected Outcomes

This will lead to theoretical insights into the mechanistic principles of the emergent behavior of these systems, make specific predictions for established bottom-up experimental model systems, and provide innovative suggestions for the rational design of systems with targeted functionalities.