Computational Modeling of Gene Regulation in the Development of Electric Organ for Muscle Cells in Electric Fish
The main objective of the proposed research is to develop a modeling methodology of logical networks to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation and maintenance of different cell types in vertebrates. Our specific aims are:
- To characterize some of the genes known to be involved in the electrical activity-dependent calcineurin/NFAT pathway in skeletal muscle cells and the non-contractile, muscle-derived electrocytes of S. macrurus. Isolation and expression analysis of genes in this pathway will be performed in Dr. Unguez's lab;
- To infer a logical network model from the expression data collected for the genes. Predictions on gene interactions with environment and determination of the phenotypes will be made. Dr. Song will be responsible for this task; and
- To design in vivo gene expression studies using S. macrurus to establish the biological significance of the gene regulatory network predictions generated by the network modeling programs developed.
The work proposed has potential to generate new methodology and solutions to problems in computational cell biochemistry and cell signaling mechanisms. Further, the project will not only build and stabilize an active collaboration between the laboratories of Drs. Song and Unguez, but will encourage the interdisciplinary training of students in neurobiology and computer modeling . a highly underrepresented interdisciplinary field at NMSU, yet a research focus that is of much interest and funding at the national and international academic level . The collaborative research environment already in place is conducive to its successful completion due to the accessibility of shared resources and the complementary expertise that incorporates the active intellectual interactions between Drs. Song and Unguez.