Unlocking the pregnancy puzzle with mathematical modeling
Masters Project
Transforming from a gentle into a powerfully contracting organ during delivery, the human uterus dramatically changes by triggers and mechanisms that remain unclear. Like electrical signals in the heart, membrane voltage waves traversing uterine tissue cause steep rises in intracellular calcium — a key signal for contraction in muscle cells. In fact, oxytocin, a common treatment for difficult term deliveries, strongly influences calcium transporters in uterine smooth muscle cells. Unlocking how these intracellular calcium dynamics interact with the overall uterine tissue into a coordinated and powerfully contracting organ at delivery can help detection of problems with pregnancy well before term.
We thus aim construction of a cell-level mathematical model of calcium signaling in uterine smooth muscle cells, with a particular focus on action of oxytocin. Working with our experimental and clinical colleagues we can calibrate the model to match and predict what happens at the cellular level. Such a cell model is slated in turn for assembling a tissue and whole-organ model of the human uterus. Computational simulations of pregnant patients revealing any issues for clinicians is the vision we are working towards — founded on a cell-level mathematical model of calcium dynamics, electrical activity and contractions waiting to be built.
Desired skills
- Mathematical modeling (ordinary differential equations)
- Numerical methods (using Matlab or python)
- Some familiarity with cell biology & physiology
- Willingness to overcome problems and work with others on an scientific adventure
Contact and supervisors
Contact/Main supervisor
Supporting supervisor(s)
- Alys Clark
Page expires: 2 May 2025