M.Sc. Stephan Kremser

Courses and Dates

Offered Bachelor’s or Master’s Theses Topics

Pattern Formation via Local Cell-Cell Signaling with Variable Interaction Ranges

Pattern formation phenomena occur in many different contexts ranging from physical and chemical systems to developmental biology and synthetic biology. In developmental biology, the correct relative positioning and determination of different cell fates is essential to ensure that the organism functions correctly. Whilst many models for pattern formation exist, the focus here is on cellularized systems with interactions only between nearby cells. This form of communication has previously received less attention from theoretical research than e.g. long-range diffusible signals as a means of communication. Our goal is to explore fundamental limits, patterning concepts, and engineering potential with a simple top-down model. Building on previous work, the project will concentrate on searching mechanisms of pattern formation with the goal of investigating how the interaction range can influence the ability to realiably create paradigmic patterns like striped "French Flag" patterns with tunable widths of the stripes. Prior knowledge in biology/biophysics is not needed, but interest in theoretical physics and computational problem solving is expected.

suitable as

• Bachelor’s Thesis Physics

Supervisor: Ulrich Gerland

Two-dimensional Pattern Formation via Local Cell-Cell Signaling

Pattern formation phenomena occur in many different contexts ranging from physical and chemical systems to developmental biology and synthetic biology. For instance, in developmental biology, the correct relative positioning and determination of different cell fates is essential to ensure that the organism functions correctly. Whilst many models for pattern formation have been studied, the focus here is on cellular systems with interactions only between neighboring cells. This form of communication has previously received less attention from theoretical research than e.g. long-range diffusible signals as a means of communication. Our goal is to explore fundamental limits, patterning concepts, and engineering potential with a simple top-down model. Building on previous work, the project will concentrate on searching mechanisms of pattern formation with the goal of investigating which information processing and communication logics can robustly produce different prototypical patterns in two spatial dimensions. Prior knowledge in biology/biophysics is not needed, but interest in theoretical physics and computational problem solving is expected.

suitable as

• Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics

Supervisor: Ulrich Gerland

Publications

See ORCID profile of Stephan Kremser as well.