Dynamics of Cell Fate Decision Mediated by the Interplay of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Cancer Cells, 2015 Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Observations Springer Theses Series

This interdisciplinary thesis introduces a systems biology approach to study the cell fate decision mediated by autophagy. A mathematical model of interaction between Autophagy and Apoptosis in mammalian cells is proposed. In this dynamic model autophagy acts as a gradual response to stress (Rheostat) that delays the initiation of bistable switch of apoptosis to give the cells an opportunity to survive. The author shows that his dynamical model is consistent with existing quantitative measurements of time courses of autophagic responses to cisplatin treatment. To understand the function of this response in cancer cells, he has provided a systems biology experimental framework to study quantitative and dynamical aspects of autophagy in single cancer cells using live-cell imaging and quantitative fluorescence microscopy. This framework can provide new insights on function of autophagic response in cancer cells.

Nominated by Virginia Tech University as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis Provides new insights on function of autophagic response in cancer cells Integrates the existing cell fate decision process into a mathematical model mediated by autophagy Demonstrates that the dynamical model is consistent with existing quantitative measurements of time courses of autophagic responses to cisplatin treatment